Since the
establishment of the Asian house gecko, Hemidactylus
frenatus, in Australia 50 years ago there has been discussion
regarding the potential impacts of this invasive species. Australia is a centre of gecko origin and diversity
so there is concern to what degree the Hemidactylus frenatus poses a
threat Australia’s diversity and ecology.
Some have argued that because Hemidactylus
frenatus spread rapidly they can invade in natural habitats and are a
strong competitor and may out-compete Australian geckos (Hoskin, 2010)
However a recent study has
concluded that where they do invade it is in association with humanity, areas
with lights and buildings; in human modified habitats and has no significant
invasion into bush land where the Australian native geckos occupy habitats (Vanderduys
E.P, Kutt A.S, 2013).
During a study conducted
between 1997 and 2012 on the effects of fire, grazing and weeds on native reptiles
across Queensland and the northern territory over 11 000 geckos were recorded,
only 13 of which were Asian House geckos, and all from the same site in a Cape York
community near homes. A site just 1km from the community was monitored
recording no Asian house geckos. This revealed that while the invaders were found to
be abundant in the community for over 30 years they had not managed to spread a
kilometer. From this evidence it has
been concluded that the Asian house gecko were unlikely to become an
environmental pest and aren’t likely to spread beyond areas of human influence
(Vanderduys E.P, Kutt A.S, 2013).
Referenences:
Hoskin, C.J 2010, ‘The
Invasion and Potential Impact of the Asian House Gecko (Hemidartylus frenatus)
in Australia’, Austral Ecology, vol.36, no.3, pp. 240-251.
Vanderduys, E.P, Kutt, A.S
2013, ‘Is the Asian House Gecko Hemidartylus frenatus, really a threat to
Australia’s biodiversity?’ Australian Journal of Zoology, vol.60, no.6,
pp. 361-367.
I find it very exciting when people find the opposite to what they expect with invasive species! I did have a question though, about the impact of Asian house geckos in urban areas. Many native geckos (I imagine) also thrive in close contact with humans, so do Asian house geckos outcompete native geckos in suburbia? Nice post.
ReplyDeleteBased on another interesting article I found there is a larger Australian native gecko that shares the Asian house geckos habitat, although it is mostly active during the wet season whereas the Asian house is more active during the wet. A field survey found that the two frequently co-existed and that the invasive Asian house gecko appeared to be exploiting a vacant niche, rather than displacing the native species
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