Romero-Cordero, Beatriz

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    Determination of invasion stage of the tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) in Puerto Rico: A comparison between two invasion sites
    (2021-05-10) Romero-Cordero, Beatriz; Puente-Rolón, Alberto R.; College of Arts and Sciences - Sciences; Bird-Pico, Fernando J.; Santos-Flores, Carlos J; Alfaro, Monica; Department of Biology; Robles-Vazquez, Wilfredo
    Invasive species have brought ecological and economical losses worldwide and are expected to increase with continuing globalization. Ecologically, invasive species pose threats to local fauna through competition and/or predation. In a first record for the Greater Antilles, populations of a widely distributed gecko species, the tokay gecko (Gekko gecko), have been identified in two locations with distinctly different habitats in Puerto Rico (Aguadilla and Ponce). By comparing morphometric, reproductive, and dietary aspects between both populations, the present study aimed to provide a snapshot of the species’ ecology on the Island at present. Populations differed the most on morphometric measurements. In general, adult geckos living in Aguadilla, the most climatically favored location which also had noticeably abundant prey, presented larger morphometric values. Marked sexual dimorphism was also observed at this location, possibly because of a high population density. The Ponce population presented reduced sexual dimorphism, which may be related to ambient temperature and its effects on males. The species has successfully established on the Island, as stated by the presence of gravid females, juveniles and nests in both locations. The tokay’s diet was that of an opportunistic generalist, consisting of invertebrates and one vertebrate, the Puerto Rican red-eyed frog Eleutherodactylus antillensis. Taken together, results indicate that G. gecko is currently in a Stage IVb invasive status on the Island and undergoing a lag phase, with an expected increase in abundance and/or area covered by the species in the future. Efforts to increase understanding of the tokay gecko’s ecology in Puerto Rico are crucial in order to create and implement adequate management protocols for the species in the near future.