Rhacodactylus are a genus of lizards only found on the islands of New Caledonia. There are only 6 known species of Rhacodactylus all ranging throughout the islands. This genus of geckos are known for their prehensile tails, and webbed toes. The largest of the species, Rhacodactylus leachianus, can grow to 17 inches and the smaller species reach around 8 to 10 inches. All of the geckos in this genus are omnivores, eating both plants and insects. Some of the larger species will catch smaller geckos, small birds and rodents. Crested geckos are a species of Rhacodactylus, that were thought to be extinct until rediscovered in 1994. Since then their popularity has exploded in the pet trade. Most of these geckos are bred in captivity causing no harm to the existing wild populations. Since then it is illegal to export any wild geckos from New Caledonia.
I did not know that large geckos will eat small birds and rodents. They must be pretty big geckos. It is good to know that many pet geckos are bred in captivity and the wild populations are not suffering from illegal trading.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to hear that the wild ones are not suffering. If it wasnt for the law they might have gone back to exstintion.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to more about this interesting reptile! I'm curious about when the Crested gecko species was officially declared extinct (until it's re-discovery, that is) and what was considered to be the main cause of it's "extinction".
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