Correlophus sarasinorum is a species of lizard in the family Diplodactylidae, commonly referred to as Sarasin’s giant gecko. It is endemic to New Caledonia, an archipelago in the southwest Pacific Ocean.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Family: Diplodactylidae
- Genus: Correlophus
- Species: Correlophus sarasinorum
The species was originally described in 1901 by Bavay as Rhacodactylus sarasinorum. Molecular phylogenetic studies conducted in the 2010s resulted in the reclassification of several New Caledonian geckos, placing this taxon in the genus Correlophus (Bauer, Jackman & Sadlier, 2012).
Description
Correlophus sarasinorum is a medium‑to‑large gecko, reaching total lengths of 12–15 cm (including tail). The dorsal surface is covered with granules and scattered tubercles, giving a textured appearance. Coloration is variable, typically ranging from gray‑brown to olive with darker blotches or reticulated patterns. The species possesses adhesive toe pads typical of diplodactylids, enabling climbing on vertical surfaces. Sexual dimorphism is subtle; males may have slightly larger pre‑anal pores.
Distribution and Habitat
The species is endemic to the main island of Grande Terre and a few neighboring islands of New Caledonia. It inhabits humid forested regions, particularly lowland rainforests, as well as shrubland and rocky outcrops at elevations up to ~800 m. C. sarasinorum is primarily nocturnal and arboreal, seeking refuge in leaf litter, tree cavities, and under bark during the day.
Ecology and Behavior
Correlophus sarasinorum is insectivorous, feeding on a variety of arthropods such as insects, spiders, and beetle larvae. Reproduction is oviparous; females lay small clutches of one to two hard-shelled eggs, typically in concealed microhabitats. Hatchlings emerge after an incubation period of approximately 60–90 days, depending on temperature and humidity.
Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently lists Correlophus sarasinorum as Least Concern (2018 assessment). The species is relatively widespread within its limited geographic range, but it faces ongoing threats from habitat loss due to logging, mining activities, and the spread of invasive species (e.g., rodents and feral cats). Conservation measures include habitat protection within designated reserves and monitoring of populations.
Etymology
The specific epithet sarasinorum honors the Swiss naturalists Paul and Fritz Sarasin, who conducted extensive fieldwork in the Pacific region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
References
- Bauer, A. M.; Jackman, T. R.; Sadlier, R. A. (2012). “A phylogenetic analysis of the New Caledonian gecko genus Rhacodactylus and the resurrection of Correlophus”. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 63 (2): 589–603.
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2023.2. “Correlophus sarasinorum”. Accessed June 2026.
- Smith, H. M.; Williams, C. J. (1991). “Reptiles of New Caledonia”. Records of the Western Australian Museum 15 (2): 167–185.
Note: All information presented reflects the current scientific consensus as of June 2026.