Terra Natura Benidorm has added a new exhibit with exotic animals. This is a juvenile Rhacodactylus leachianus, often known as the giant gecko of New Caledonia. With only one year of life and a 20 centimetre size, this creature joins the park’s exotic fauna collection and promises to become one of the most impressive attractions when it reaches adulthood, reaching 50 centimetres and becoming the world’s largest gecko.

The giant gecko, which originated in the tropical forests of the New Caledonia, is known for its incredible camouflage abilities and ability to climb smooth surfaces. In their natural habitat, these animals can live between 20 and 30 years, but with specialised care at Terra Natura, their lifespan can extend up to 40 years.

This gecko consumes an omnivorous diet that includes fruits, insects and small vertebrates. Although is not in danger of extinction, the species is losing its habitat due to human activity and the introduction of mammals that threaten its survival.

One of its most surprising characteristics is its camouflage. Their skin, which resembles the bark of trees covered with lichens, allows them to effectively mimic their surroundings, making them nearly inconspicuous to predators and prey. Furthermore, they have little vents in their hands that, thanks to thousands of microscopic pegs with electrostatic properties, allow them to adhere to almost any surface, from branches to smooth walls.

This giant gecko joins the ‘Discovery Reptiles’ experience inside of Terra Natura’s themed volcano, where he will live alongside other species known for their unique adaptations, such as the camuflaje and venom. Visitors can get up close to creatures like the musk ox, the tiger frog, and the albino crow, all of which are fascinating examples of animal evolution and survival.
Terra Natura’s herpetologists conduct daily feeding and care sessions for these species, providing visitors an opportunity to learn more about their behaviours. The park’s experts will be available to share information on the incredible camouflage and survival abilities of these reptiles.

Terra Natura Benidorm continues to provide a unique educational experience, inspiring visitors about the richness and diversity of exotic fauna with the addition of a giant gecko from New Caledonia. This new exhibit reinforces the park’s commitment to conservation and environmental education while also allowing visitors to get up close to some of the world’s most fascinating and strange creatures.