Knob-headed giant gecko, New Caledonia bumpy gecko, New Caledonian bumpy gecko
The Gargoyle gecko (Rhacodactylus auriculatus) is a small to medium-sized species of gecko first described by Bavay in 1869. This species of gecko is the smallest of the six recognized species in its genus. The Gargoyle gecko, along with several other Rhacodactylus species are being considered for protective measures by CITES, which would put restrictions on their exportation.
The Gargoyle gecko gets its common name from the cranial bumps that give the appearance of horns or ears; in fact, auriculatus is Latin for "ears" or "eared", depending on the case. Other characteristics of this gecko include a thin prehensile tail which will regenerate if it drops off, as well as small adhesive toe pads. Although these geckos have the ability to grip vines, branches, and other obstacles, most do not have the ability to climb sheer surfaces, such as glass.
Gargoyle geckos are found only on the southern end of the island of New Caledonia. Within their native ranges, these small reptiles inhabit moist forests, scrub forest, and montane forest.
Gargoyle geckos are solitary and primarily nocturnal creatures. They live in trees sheltering in dense canopy and tree cavities but can also be seen on the ground. Gargoyle geckos can propel themselves almost three times their body length to reach a vine or tree branch, yet their feet do not have as much traction as other gecko's feet do, so they slip every now and then, making them seem clumsy. Moving about is no problem for them, as long as their skin is kept moist, it will stretch and accommodate their movements.
Gargoyle geckos are omnivorous. Their diet includes a wide variety of arthropods, small lizards such as geckos and skinks, and various plant materials including floral parts and sap.
Female Gargoyle geckos usually lay 2 eggs per clutch and bury them in the soil. They can lay 8 or 9 clutches per year. The eggs hatch 60 to 90 days after they are laid. The hatchlings are 2.5 cm (one inch) long (from snout to vent) and weigh 3 grams (0.1 oz) at hatching. The young don't require parental care; they are able to find food and take care of themselves. They become reproductively mature and start to breed at the age of around 18 months.
The major threat to this species is deforestation of its native habitat on the island.
According to IUCN Red List, the Gargoyle gecko is locally common throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.