The Biology of the Gecko Oedura reticulata Bustard, in a Smal Habitat Isolate in the Western Australian Wheatbelt

Abstract

The arboreal gecko Oedura reticulata was studied in an isolated 1-ha eucalypt woodland in the Western Australian wheatbelt. Females reach maturity in their 4th year and lay two eggs between October and January. Males reach maturity in their 3rd year, their testes are largest between July and October. Young hatch in mid to late summer but immature individuals are infrequently captured during their first 18 months. Individuals live more than 6 years. Population size ranged between 91 and 119 individuals. Individuals were placed into eight definable groups. There was a slight excess of males in each cohort. Activity, which is greatest in summer and least in winter, is closely correlated with ambient temperature. Body temperatures become noticeably higher than ambient temperatures between 23°C and 16°C; below 16°C activity is greatly reduced. The higher numbers of O.reticulata occur on mature smooth-barked eucalypt trees that have both large areas of foliage and dead wood. Only immature individuals frequently occupy rough-barked eucalypts. Their life-history strategy is considered in respect of small, isolated and disturbed remnants of native vegetation.