Smith-Dorr, Rhianna F.

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Niche partitioning strategies of two endemic Sphaerodactylus (Squamata:Gekkota) species found at the Salt Flats Refuge in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
(2019-05-15) Smith-Dorr, Rhianna F.; Bird-Picó, Fernando J.; College of Arts and Sciences - Sciences; Puente Rolón, Alberto R.; Santos Flores, Carlos J.; Vega Castillo, Sondra I.; Department of Biology; Zapata, Rocío
The conservation of endemic reptiles is essential to maintain balance in fragile island ecosystems. My research aimed to provide novel information regarding the ecology of the geckos Sphaerodactylus nicholsi and S. roosevelti while in sympatry at The Salt Flats Refuge in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. Using transects during one calendar year I captured and marked individuals of each species and collected microhabitat data such as substrate type, over-story cover percent and time of activity. In addition, I obtained morphometrical data such as snout-vent length (mm), tail length and weight (g) of each individual. Furthermore, I recorded age category, sexed adult individuals whenever possible, and noted any egg-bearing females. My results demonstrate interspecific and intraspecific spatial and temporal resource partitioning at The Salt Flats Refuge. My findings are relevant to future preservation efforts concerning endemic and worldwide sphaerodactylids threatened by unprecedented climate change effects.