Gecko

Description

Botswana is home to a variety of Gecko species namely; Giant Ground Gecko, Kalahari Ground Gecko, Moreau’s Tropical House Gecko, Wahlberg’s Velvet Gecko, Cape Dwarfs Gecko, Chobe Dwarf Gecko, Bibrons’s Gecko, Cape Gecko, Speckled Gecko and Common Barking Gecko. All are characterized by a large pair of adhesive scansors beneath the dilated top-tip, separated by a small gap from 1-2 pairs of smaller scansors. Claws that are retractable between the scansors can be seen in both  male and female Geckos.

Its head and body are flattened, and the eyes are large with vertical pupils. The back is covered with small, flat, smooth, granular scales. Pre-anal pores are present in males and the tail is usually segmented at the base and slightly longer than its body.

Habitat

Generally, the Gecko’s habitat differs from species to species. Geckos are widely spread throughout Botswana: The Giant Ground Gecko can be found in the southern parts of the Kgalagadi Transfonteir Park, Kalahari Gecko is present in the Kalahari Desert, Cape Dwards Gecko is present mainlt in the Okavango Delta and Chobe regions; Birboon’s and Cape Gecko are widely spread across the whole of Botswana.

Behaviour

These little reptiles are nocturnal by nature, usually taking shelter under exfoliating flakes on hard rock outcrops (such as granite, gneiss, and some sandstones) from low ground to the mountain tops. Some species are communal, and can be found in large groups (10-20 individuals) in a suitable location.

Setswana name: Kgatwe Scientific name: Afroedura, Colopus wahlbergii, Pachydactylus bibronii/capensis/punctatus, Ptenopus garrulous Size: 8 - 22cm

Reproduction

Gecko lay two hard-shelled eggs, often in a communal egg-laying site. The eggs are slightly soft and sticky when first laid, but harden later and stick together to the rock.