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Escoriza D. Success factors of great oceanic dispersers: Case of Squamata in the Pacific Ocean. J Zool (1987) 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.13042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. Escoriza
- GRECO, Institute of Aquatic Ecology University of Girona, Campus de Montillivi Girona Spain
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González-Sánchez VH, Johnson JD, González-Solís D, Fucsko LA, Wilson LD. A review of the introduced herpetofauna of Mexico and Central America, with comments on the effects of invasive species and biosecurity methodology. Zookeys 2021; 1022:79-154. [PMID: 33762869 PMCID: PMC7960690 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1022.51422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the principal causes producing detrimental effects on global biodiversity are introductions of alien species. Very few attempts to control introduced amphibians and reptiles in Middle America (Mexico and Central America) can be identified, so listings are provided for 24 exotic species, 16 translocated species, and 11 species that were removed from the introduced species listing because of lack of substantiating evidence that they are from established populations. Biosecurity methods are also identified that can be applied for preventing, controlling, and managing introduced and especially invasive species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jerry D. Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, 79968-0500, TX, USA
| | | | - Lydia Allison Fucsko
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Larry David Wilson
- Centro Zamorano de Biodiversidad, Escuela Agrícola Panamericana Zamorano, Departamento de Francisco Morazán, Honduras;
- 1350 Pelican Court, Homestead, 33035-1031, FL, USA
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3
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Hsu MH, Lin JW, Liao CP, Hsu JY, Huang WS. Trans-marine dispersal inferred from the saltwater tolerance of lizards from Taiwan. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247009. [PMID: 33577597 PMCID: PMC7880474 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dehydration and hypersalinity challenge non-marine organisms crossing the ocean. The rate of water loss and saltwater tolerance thus determine the ability to disperse over sea and further influence species distribution. Surprisingly, this association between physiology and ecology is rarely investigated in terrestrial vertebrates. Here we conducted immersion experiments to individuals and eggs of six lizard species differently distributed across Taiwan and the adjacent islands to understand if the physiological responses reflect the geographical distribution. We found that Plestiodon elegans had the highest rate of water loss and the lowest saltwater tolerance, whereas Eutropis longicaudata and E. multifasciata showed the lowest rate of water loss and the highest saltwater tolerance. Diploderma swinhonis, Hemidactylus frenatus, and Anolis sagrei had medium measurements. For the eggs, only the rigid-shelled eggs of H. frenatus were incubated successfully after treatments. While, the parchment-shelled eggs of E. longicaudata and D. swinhonis lost or gained water dramatically in the immersions without any successful incubation. Combined with the historical geology of the islands and the origin areas of each species, the inferences of the results largely explain the current distribution of these lizards across Taiwan and the adjacent islands, pioneerly showing the association between physiological capability and species distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Hao Hsu
- Department of Biology, National Museum of Natural Science, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jhan-Wei Lin
- Department of Biology, National Museum of Natural Science, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Pan Liao
- Department of Biology, National Museum of Natural Science, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Ya Hsu
- Department of Biology, National Museum of Natural Science, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-San Huang
- Department of Biology, National Museum of Natural Science, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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4
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Richmond JQ, Ota H, Grismer LL, Fisher RN. Influence of niche breadth and position on the historical biogeography of seafaring scincid lizards. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Niche breadth and position can influence diversification among closely related species or populations, yet limited empirical data exist concerning the predictability of the outcomes. We explored the effects of these factors on the evolution of the Emoia atrocostata species group, an insular radiation of lizards in the western Pacific Ocean and Indo-Australasia composed of both endemic and widespread species that differ in niche occupancy. We used molecular data and phylogeographical diffusion models to estimate the timing and patterns of range expansion, and ancestral reconstruction methods to infer shifts in ecology. We show evidence of multidirectional spread from a centre of origin in western Micronesia, and that the phyletic diversity of the group is derived from a putative habitat specialist that survives in the littoral zone. This species is composed of paraphyletic lineages that represent stages or possible endpoints in the continuum toward speciation. Several descendant species have transitioned to either strand or interior forest habitat, but only on remote islands with depauperate terrestrial faunas. Our results suggest that the atrocostata group might be in the early phases of a Wilsonian taxon cycle and that the capacity to tolerate salt stress has promoted dispersal and colonization of remote oceanic islands. Divergence itself, however, is largely driven by geographical isolation rather than shifts in ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hidetoshi Ota
- Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan
| | - L Lee Grismer
- Department of Biology, La Sierra University, Riverside, CA, USA
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5
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Garner AM, Pamfilie AM, Hamad EJ, Kindig R, Taylor JT, Unsworth CK, Niewiarowski PH. Home-field advantage: native gecko exhibits improved exertion capacity and locomotor ability in structurally complex environments relative to its invasive counterpart. Front Zool 2020; 17:23. [PMID: 32821264 PMCID: PMC7433047 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-020-00368-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Invasive species are of substantial concern because they may threaten ecosystem stability and biodiversity worldwide. Not surprisingly, studies examining the drivers of biological invasion have increased in number over the past few decades in an effort to curtail invasive species success by way of informing management decisions. The common house gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus, has successfully invaded the Pacific islands where it appears to thrive in and dominate non-natural habitats offering high food availability (i.e., well-lit human dwellings) compared to native geckos. Previous work demonstrated that H. frenatus can outperform the native gecko, Lepidodactylus lugubris, in terms of maximal sprint speed on relatively simple planar surfaces (e.g., building walls). Lepidodactylus lugubris and other native geckos, however, may have superior locomotor performance in three-dimensional, structurally complex habitats. Results Here we compared the locomotor behaviour and exertion capacity of the native gecko, Gehyra oceanica, and the invasive gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus, on the island of Mo’orea, French Polynesia, on fabricated structures simulating structurally complex substrates. We found that the native gecko exhibits improved locomotor performance compared to the invasive gecko on structurally complex substrates. We also completed encounter surveys to document free-ranging habitat use and behaviour of these two species. We discovered that H. frenatus were more common in natural habitats than previously observed and used similar substrates as G. oceanica, although G. oceanica appeared to use substrates with greater perch heights (i.e., trees). Conclusions Our findings revealed that locomotor performance in complex environments may contribute to the previously observed habitat segregation between native and invasive Pacific island geckos. Furthermore, our locomotor and habitat use data are consistent with the hypothesis that G. oceanica may be resistant to invasion of H. frenatus in natural environments. Our study calls for more detailed ecophysiological and ecomorphological studies of both native and invasive Pacific gecko species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin M Garner
- Department of Biology, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908 USA.,Gecko Adhesion Research Group, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908 USA.,Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908 USA
| | - Alexandra M Pamfilie
- Department of Biology, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908 USA.,Gecko Adhesion Research Group, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908 USA
| | - E J Hamad
- Department of Biology, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908 USA
| | - Rachael Kindig
- Department of Education, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325 USA
| | - Joshua T Taylor
- Department of Biology, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908 USA
| | - Colleen K Unsworth
- Department of Biology, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908 USA.,Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908 USA
| | - Peter H Niewiarowski
- Department of Biology, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908 USA.,Gecko Adhesion Research Group, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908 USA.,Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908 USA
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Zarzoso-Lacoste D, Bonnaud E, Corse E, Dubut V, Lorvelec O, De Meringo H, Santelli C, Meunier JY, Ghestemme T, Gouni A, Vidal E. Stuck amongst introduced species: Trophic ecology reveals complex relationships between the critically endangered Niau kingfisher and introduced predators, competitors and prey. NEOBIOTA 2019. [DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.53.35086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The introduction of mammals on oceanic islands currently threatens or has caused the extinction of many endemic species. Cats and rats represent the major threat for 40 % of currently endangered island bird species. Direct (predation) and/or indirect (exploitative competition for food resource) trophic interactions are key mechanisms by which invaders cause the decrease or extinction of native populations. Here, we investigated both direct and indirect trophic interactions amongst four predator species (i.e. animals that hunt, kill and feed on other animals), including three introduced mammals (Felis silvestris catus, Rattus rattus and Rattus exulans) and one critically endangered native bird, the Niau kingfisher (Todiramphus gertrudae). All four species’ diets and prey availability were assessed from sampling at the six main kingfisher habitats on Niau Island during the breeding season. Diet analyses were conducted on 578 cat scats, 295 rat digestive tracts (218 R. exulans and 77 R. rattus) and 186 kingfisher pellets. Despite simultaneous use of morphological and PCR-based methods, no bird remains in cat and rat diet samples could be assigned to the Niau kingfisher, weakening the hypothesis of current intense predation pressure. However, we determined that Niau kingfishers mainly feed on introduced and/or cryptogenic prey and highlighted the potential for exploitative competition between this bird and both introduced rat species (for Dictyoptera, Coleoptera and Scincidae). We recommend removing the cats and both rat species, at least within kingfisher breeding and foraging areas (e.g. mechanical or chemical control, cat sterilisation, biosecurity reinforcement), to simultaneously decrease predation risk, increase key prey availability and boost kingfisher population dynamics.
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Blom MPK, Matzke NJ, Bragg JG, Arida E, Austin CC, Backlin AR, Carretero MA, Fisher RN, Glaw F, Hathaway SA, Iskandar DT, McGuire JA, Karin BR, Reilly SB, Rittmeyer EN, Rocha S, Sanchez M, Stubbs AL, Vences M, Moritz C. Habitat preference modulates trans-oceanic dispersal in a terrestrial vertebrate. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20182575. [PMID: 31161911 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.2575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of long-distance dispersal (LDD) in shaping geographical distributions has been debated since the nineteenth century. In terrestrial vertebrates, LDD events across large water bodies are considered highly improbable, but organismal traits affecting dispersal capacity are generally not taken into account. Here, we focus on a recent lizard radiation and combine a summary-coalescent species tree based on 1225 exons with a probabilistic model that links dispersal capacity to an evolving trait, to investigate whether ecological specialization has influenced the probability of trans-oceanic dispersal. Cryptoblepharus species that occur in coastal habitats have on average dispersed 13 to 14 times more frequently than non-coastal species and coastal specialization has, therefore, led to an extraordinarily widespread distribution that includes multiple continents and distant island archipelagoes. Furthermore, their presence across the Pacific substantially predates the age of human colonization and we can explicitly reject the possibility that these patterns are solely shaped by human-mediated dispersal. Overall, by combining new analytical methods with a comprehensive phylogenomic dataset, we use a quantitative framework to show how coastal specialization can influence dispersal capacity and eventually shape geographical distributions at a macroevolutionary scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mozes P K Blom
- 1 Research School of Biology, The Australian National University , Canberra , Australia.,2 Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institut für Evolutions- und Biodiversitätsforschung , Berlin , Germany
| | - Nicholas J Matzke
- 1 Research School of Biology, The Australian National University , Canberra , Australia.,3 School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Jason G Bragg
- 1 Research School of Biology, The Australian National University , Canberra , Australia
| | - Evy Arida
- 4 Research Center for Biology, The Indonesian Institute of Sciences , Cibinong , Indonesia
| | | | - Adam R Backlin
- 6 U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center , Santa Ana, CA , USA
| | | | - Robert N Fisher
- 8 U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center , San Diego, CA , USA
| | - Frank Glaw
- 9 Department of Herpetology, Zoologische Staatssamlung Münich , Munich , Germany
| | - Stacie A Hathaway
- 8 U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center , San Diego, CA , USA
| | - Djoko T Iskandar
- 10 School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institut Teknologi , Bandung , Indonesia
| | - Jimmy A McGuire
- 11 Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley , Berkeley, CA , USA
| | - Benjamin R Karin
- 11 Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley , Berkeley, CA , USA
| | - Sean B Reilly
- 11 Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley , Berkeley, CA , USA
| | - Eric N Rittmeyer
- 1 Research School of Biology, The Australian National University , Canberra , Australia.,5 Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge, LA , USA
| | - Sara Rocha
- 12 Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Immunology & Biomedical Research Center (CINBIO), University of Vigo , Vigo , Spain
| | | | - Alexander L Stubbs
- 11 Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley , Berkeley, CA , USA
| | - Miguel Vences
- 14 Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig , Braunschweig , Germany
| | - Craig Moritz
- 1 Research School of Biology, The Australian National University , Canberra , Australia
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9
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Cryptic extinction of a common Pacific lizard Emoia impar (Squamata, Scincidae) from the Hawaiian Islands. ORYX 2012. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605310001778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractMost documented declines of tropical reptiles are of dramatic or enigmatic species. Declines of widespread species tend to be cryptic. The early (1900s) decline and extinction of the common Pacific skink Emoia impar from the Hawaiian Islands is documented here through an assessment of literature, museum vouchers and recent fieldwork. This decline appears contemporaneous with the documented declines of invertebrates and birds across the Hawaiian Islands. A review of the plausible causal factors indicates that the spread of the introduced big-headed ant Pheidole megacephala is the most likely factor in this lizard decline. The introduction and spread of a similar skink Lampropholis delicata across the islands appears to temporally follow the decline of E. impar, although there is no evidence of competition between these species. It appears that L. delicata is spreading to occupy the niche vacated by the extirpated E. impar. Further confusion exists because the skink E. cyanura, which is very similar in appearance to E. impar, appears to have been introduced to one site within a hotel on Kaua'i and persisted as a population at that site for approximately 2 decades (1970s–1990s) but is now also extirpated. This study highlights the cryptic nature of this early species extinction as evidence that current biogeographical patterns of non-charismatic or enigmatic reptiles across the Pacific may be the historical result of early widespread invasion by ants. Conservation and restoration activities for reptiles in the tropical Pacific should consider this possibility and evaluate all evidence prior to any implementation.
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10
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Tonione MA, Reeder N, Moritz CC. High genetic diversity despite the potential for stepping-stone colonizations in an invasive species of gecko on Moorea, French Polynesia. PLoS One 2011; 6:e26874. [PMID: 22073211 PMCID: PMC3206873 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2011] [Accepted: 10/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive species often have reduced genetic diversity, but the opposite can be true if there have been multiple introductions and genetic admixture. Reduced diversity is most likely soon after establishment, in remote locations, when there is lower propagule pressure and with stepping-stone colonizations. The common house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) was introduced to Moorea, French Polynesia in the remote eastern Pacific within the last two decades and accordingly is expected to exhibit low diversity. In contrast, we show that H. frenatus on Moorea has exceptionally high genetic diversity, similar to that near the native range in Asia and much higher than reported for other Pacific island reptiles. The high diversity in this recently founded population likely reflects extensive genetic admixture in source population(s) and a life history that promotes retention of diversity. These observations point to the importance of understanding range-wide dynamics of genetic admixture in highly invasive species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Tonione
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America.
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11
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Kaiser H, Carvalho VL, Ceballos J, Freed P, Heacox S, Lester B, Richards SJ, Trainor CR, Sanchez C, O'Shea M. The herpetofauna of Timor-Leste: a first report. Zookeys 2011:19-86. [PMID: 21852932 PMCID: PMC3118819 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.109.1439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2010] [Accepted: 04/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fieldwork conducted throughout Timor-Leste in September 2004 and July 2009 resulted in a collection or recording of 263 herpetological specimens (100 amphibians, 163 reptiles), comprising at least seven species of frogs and toads, 20 species of lizards, seven species of snakes, two species of turtles, and one species of crocodile. Among the amphibians, the most frequently encountered species were toads (Duttaphrynus melanostictus), rice paddy frogs (genus Fejervarya), and rhacophorid treefrogs (Polypedates cf. leucomystax). All three variants of rice paddy frogs encountered represent undescribed species similar to Fejervarya verruculosa from neighboring Wetar Island. Records of Fejervarya cancrivora and Fejervarya limnocharis for Timor Island are apparently errors based on misidentification. We obtained voucher specimens for a total of 147 lizards and voucher photographs only for four specimens of Varanus timorensis. Aside from geckos frequently associated with human habitations (e.g., Gehyra mutilata, Gekko gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus, Hemidactylus platyurus), we discovered an as yet undescribed species of bent-toed gecko, genus Cyrtodactylus, in the Same valley. Our specimens of Hemidactylus platyurus are the first record of this species from Timor-Leste. Commonly encountered skinks included four-fingered skinks (genus Carlia), wedge skinks (genus Sphenomorphus), and night skinks (genus Eremiascincus). Notable among the 15 snakes collected was the frequency of pitvipers (Cryptelytrops insularis), which amounted to over 25% of all snakes. Our specimen of the wolfsnake Lycodon subcinctus is the first record of this species for Timor-Leste. Based on these findings, it appears that the biodiversity of amphibians and reptiles in this remote corner of Wallacea is much greater than previously thought, particularly with respect to scincid lizards. The detail we provide in the species accounts is designed to allow the use of this report as a preliminary field guide to the amphibians and reptiles of Timor-Leste. However, survey work is ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hinrich Kaiser
- Department of Biology, Victor Valley College, 18422 Bear Valley Road, Victorville, California 92395, USA; and The Foundation for Post-Conflict Development, 245 Park Avenue, 24th Floor, New York, New York 10167, USA
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12
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HAMILTON ALISONM, ZUG GEORGER, AUSTIN CHRISTOPHERC. Biogeographic anomaly or human introduction: a cryptogenic population of tree skink (Reptilia: Squamata) from the Cook Islands, Oceania. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2010.01437.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Gillespie RG, Claridge EM, Goodacre SL. Biogeography of the fauna of French Polynesia: diversification within and between a series of hot spot archipelagos. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2008; 363:3335-46. [PMID: 18782725 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2008.0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The islands of French Polynesia cover an area the size of Europe, though total land area is smaller than Rhode Island. Each hot spot archipelago (Societies, Marquesas, Australs) is chronologically arranged. With the advent of molecular techniques, relatively precise estimations of timing and source of colonization have become feasible. We compile data for the region, first examining colonization (some lineages dispersed from the west, others from the east). Within archipelagos, blackflies (Simulium) provide the best example of adaptive radiation in the Societies, though a similar radiation occurs in weevils (Rhyncogonus). Both lineages indicate that Tahiti hosts the highest diversity. The more remote Marquesas show clear examples of adaptive radiation in birds, arthropods and snails. The Austral Islands, though generally depauperate, host astonishing diversity on the single island of Rapa, while lineages on other islands are generally widespread but with large genetic distances between islands. More recent human colonization has changed the face of Polynesian biogeography. Molecular markers highlight the rapidity of Polynesian human (plus commensal) migrations and the importance of admixture from other populations during the period of prehistoric human voyages. However, recent increase in traffic has brought many new, invasive species to the region, with the future of the indigenous biota uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary G Gillespie
- Department of Environmental Science, University of California, 137 Mulford Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720-3114, USA.
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Abstract
Thirty-four house geckoes (21 Cosymbotus platyurus, four Gehyra mutilata and nine Hemidactylus frenatus) in December, 1997 (rainy season) and 26 geckos (16 C. platyurus, six G. mutilata and four H. frenatus) in July, 2000 (dry season) were captured in Lampung, Indonesia. Some species of geckoes have been inadvertently introduced to many tropical regions from their native region, but the three species of geckoes in this study are native to Indonesia. Six species of endoparasites were recovered: Oochoristica javanensis (Cestoda) from the small intestine, Paradistomum geckonum (Digenea) from the small intestine and gallbladder, Postorchigenes ovatus (Digenea) from the small intestine, Spauligodon hemidactylus (Nematoda) from the large intestine, and Raillietiella gehyra and R. frenatus (Pentastomida) from the lungs. The prevalence and mean intensity of infection in each species of geckoes are also presented. The prevalence of S. hemidactylus from C. platyurus and H. frenatus in the rainy season was significantly higher than in the dry season. The low prevalence of S. hemidactylus in G. mutilata in the present study corresponded to a previous report from a non-native area. According to the original description, the male of S. hemidactylus lacked a spicule, but in the present study, one male was found with a spicule. The present study suggests male dimorphism occurs in Spauligodon. The number of endoparasite species and snout vent length of geckoes were positively correlated. Geckoes with high worm burdens may be more easily captured by predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Matsuo
- Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
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