Age structure and growth parameters in a population of the Mediterranean house gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Sauria: Gekkonidae) from Western Anatolia

ABSTRACT

In this study, the age structure and growth parameters of the Mediterranean house gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus (Linnaeus, 1758) were studied in Izmir Province (Western Anatolia, Türkiye). Our goal is to share with readers a small sampling of observations. In total 38 specimens (9 juveniles, 11 males, and 18 females) were captured and analysed in 2018. Age estimation was achieved based on histological skeletochronology using cross-sections of the femora, which suggested a mean age of 1.5 years for juveniles (1–2 years), 3.45 years (2–5 years) for males and 3.59 years (2–5 years) for females. Maximum age was estimated at 5 years. Age at sexual maturity was estimated at 2–3 years for both sexes, and a significant positive correlation was observed between size and age.

KEYWORDS:

• skeletochronology
• age estimation
• growth
• Gekkonidae
• Western Anatolia

Acknowledgements

This manuscript is based on the MSc thesis of B.B. Göğebakan, supervised by A. Mermer. We thank Balkan Mega for his help with language editing.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Barış Burak Göğebakan

Barış Burak Göğebakan graduated from Ege University, Department of Biology in 2016. Then he started his Master’s Degree in Zoology at the same department. In his graduate research, he studied the life history of Hemidactylus turcicus in Izmir (Turkey). He has contributed to the herpetofauna of Turkey by combining the knowledge and research skills gained during his undergraduate education with his graduate work. His interest in biology and passion for research continues even though he is currently working full time in the field of occupational health and safety.

Ahmet Mermer

Ahmet Mermer is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University (Izmir, Turkey), where he teaches courses in zoology. He has authored or co-authored more than 50 peer-reviewed scientific publications in national and international journals, in addition to other contributions to books and conference proceedings. His extensive experience in the systematics and biogeography of reptiles spans over 40 years.

Kerim Çiçek

Kerim Çiçek is a full-time Professor of Biology at Ege University (Izmir, Turkey) where he teaches courses on zoology. He has authored or co-authored more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific publications in national and international journals, in addition to other contributions to books and conference proceedings. He has worked on various research projects on the systematics, ecology and conservation of amphibians and reptiles funded by national and international foundations. He has about 20 years of experience in biodiversity research and monitoring with a focus on Turkish herptiles. He is working on the biogeography, ecology and conservation of Turkish wildlife from different perspectives.