Delcourt's Sticky-toed Gecko

Delcourt's Sticky-toed Gecko (Gigarcanum delcourti) also known as the Kawekaweau is a species of gecko native to the Island of New Caledonia. It is the largest known of all geckos, with a snout-to-vent length of 14.6 in and an overall length of 23.6 in.

Description

The digits bear claws, and are weakly-moderately webbed. The digit pads are rectangular and broad. The body colour is yellowish-brown, with dark reddish-brown stripes running along the length of the upper body.

Ecology

Sticky-toed Geckoes are similar to other New Caledonian Geckoes as they are nocturnal, arboreal animals that climbed trees. They feed primarily on a diet of arthropods, but seasonally consume fruit.

Kawekaweau pair monogamously. A compatible pair may pair-bond for a single breeding season, or remain paired for several years. Breeding behavior involves biting and thrashing that can become violent, often accompanied with locking jaws. this is thought to be a mechanism to test for pair compatibility and physical capability of a mate. A bonded pair will commonly reside in an unoccupied tree hollow, which the pair will defend by displaying territorial behavior, such as vocalization. Tree hollow related behavior is similar to that of hollow nesting birds. Adult females lay up to two eggs at a time. Pair incompatibility in a previously compatible pair may occur, often indicated by aggressive territorial behavior and injury. Parthenogenesis is also observed in unpaired females in captivity

Conservation

Kawekaweau have proved to be very successful on captivity with many zoos displaying them or keeping them as animal ambassadors. The Kawekaweau has even made it's way into the exotic pet trade, being somewhat uncommon but extremely sought after by enthusiast. It's care in captivity is similar to the other New Caledonian Geckoes such as the Gargoyle Gecko and Leachianus Gecko. They are extremely calm by nature and make good pets for moderately-experienced reptile keepers

no Kawekaweau have been released into the wild due to the ongoing controversy on whether it is native to New Caledonia or New Zealand.

Notable holders of G. delcourti include Orca Point Zoo, San Diego Zoo, Smithsonian's National Zoo, Australia Zoo and Auckland Zoo

Notes

Neil Buzzmani has a Kawekaweau named Aronui