Rhacodactylus trachyrhynchus

Taxobox
name = Rough-snouted giant gecko


image_width = 240px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Squamata
familia = Gekkonidae
subfamilia = Diplodactylinae
genus = "Rhacodactylus"
species = "R. trachyrhynchus"
binomial = "Rhacodactylus trachyrhynchus"
binomial_authority = Bocage, 1873

The Rough-snouted Giant Gecko ("Rhacodactylus trachyrhynchus") is a species of gecko found in central and southern New Caledonia and on the outlying New Caledonian island of Ile de Pines. This gecko is considered to be in danger of extinction due to disappearing habitat and is being considered for protected status by CITES.

Description & Habitat

The common name of "R. trachyrhynchus" refers to the enlarged scales that cover its snout. Other characteristics of this gecko include broad toes and a prehensile tail. "R. trachyrhynchus" has a mottled color pattern, generally a grayish-green to brown mixed with white. Its snout to vent length (SVL) is usually around 190mm. There are two sub-species of "R. trachyrhynchus":

* "R. t. trachyrhynchus", first described by Bocage in 1873.
* "R. t. trachycephalus", first described by Boulenger in 1878.

Like all "Rhacodactylus" geckos, "R. trachyrhynchus" is an omnivore. Its diet consists mainly of insects and fruit, and can include as well small lizards and nestling birds and rodents.

Breeding

"R. trachyrhynchus" is the only "Rhacodactylus" gecko that gives live birth. It is sometimes seen in captivity and as an arboreal species, requires a vertically oriented terrarium. Males should be housed separately or as a part of a breeding pair or trio with females. Though males housed together will often fight, females are social and can be housed together.