Dave Taylor's African Safari: Trophic Level III: Omnivores and Small Carnivores - House Gecko

Trophic Level III: Omnivores and Small Carnivores
House Gecko
Page 3

Hemidactylus mabouia

Length: 15-19 cm (6-7.5 inches)

Status: Common. It is often found around buildings where it comes out at night to feed on insects attracted by the lights.

Habitat: House geckos (also called tropical geckos) are found on trees, in rocky areas and in caves throughout the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.

Food: Geckos eat moths, mosquitoes, flies, crickets, ants, cockroaches, and spiders.

Social System/Behavior: Geckos, as a group, are widespread throughout the tropics and sub-tropics of the world. There are over 83 genera and some 670 species. They are all small reptiles, the largest attaining a length of only 40 centimeters (15 inches). All have flattened bodies and are nocturnal in habits. Geckos have specially adapted feet that allow them to climb over smooth surfaces. The toes have hair-like structures on the underside that seek out tiny cracks in the surface and allow the animal to grip on to it. They are often seen scurrying upside down across the ceiling of buildings!

The house gecko is found across central and southern Africa. It has also made its way to South America (most likely as a stowaway on a ship).

Geckos breed year round. The female lays one or two eggs in a secluded, safe nook. Sometimes, several females will lay eggs in the same nest.

Predators: Birds of prey, especially small owls, snakes, monkeys, genets, and other nocturnal hunters will all feed occasionally on geckos. The gecko blends in well with its background and is thin enough to hide under bark. It is not an easy animal to find.

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