Asian house geckos in Australia have sparked divergent opinions. Some people love their vocality, often hearing their distinctive chirping at night, while others find it annoying. They thrive in urban areas, taking refuge in buildings and homes, but some argue that they negatively impact native species by competing for food and habitat.
Feeding on insects, Asian house geckos are prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas, controlling pest populations and potentially reducing the need for chemical pest control. However, their rapid reproduction and adaptability can lead to overpopulation, disrupting local ecosystems.
Asian Gecko’s Behaviour
The Asian House Gecko is territorial and often aggressively defends its territory against other geckos. They establish a social hierarchy within their group, with dominant individuals asserting their dominance over subordinates. When encountering other species of geckos, they exhibit aggressive behaviour, often resulting in fights to establish dominance.
Their hunting patterns involve being nocturnal hunters, preying on insects and small invertebrates. They make a distinctive chirping sound, which serves as a territorial and mating call. They play a crucial role in reducing the population of insects, acting as natural pest controllers.
Physically, they have a slender body with large, lidless eyes, and their colour ranges from light brown to grey. They lay clutches of eggs multiple times a year, with females capable of reproducing without mating. They have a lifespan of around five to seven years.
The spread of the Asian House Gecko in Australia has had a significant impact on native gecko species. They compete for resources and territory, often outcompeting and displacing native geckos, leading to a decline in their populations. This has caused concerns for the conservation of native species in Australia.
What Does The Asian Gecko Eat?
The Asian gecko has a varied diet, consisting mainly of small insects and spiders. These creatures make up the majority of their diet, and they are skilled hunters, able to catch their prey using their long, sticky tongues. Additionally, Asian geckos are not picky eaters, and they are known to consume paper wasp larvae and even other geckos.
In addition to insects and spiders, geckos also consume a variety of other food sources, such as sap, nectar, and even small invertebrates. Their varied diet allows them to adapt to different environments and makes them successful and resilient predators.
Identification & Habitat
The Asian Gecko, also known as the Tokay Gecko, is commonly found in a variety of habitats throughout Southeast Asia, including urban areas, forests, rocky areas, and coconut palm trunks. They prefer warm and humid environments, making them well-adapted to the tropical climates of the region. Asian Geckos are also known for their abundance in urban environments, where they can be found in buildings, homes, and other man-made structures.
The invasion of Asian House Geckos in certain regions, particularly in Australia, has raised concerns among conservationists and researchers. These geckos were initially introduced to Australia unintentionally through the transportation of goods or by hitchhiking on vehicles. Since their arrival, they have quickly established themselves in various urban and suburban areas.
Their ability to thrive in urban settings can be attributed to factors such as the availability of food sources, including insects attracted to artificial lighting, and the abundance of sheltered spaces. In contrast, they may not thrive as well in forested areas due to competition with other species, as well as the loss of suitable nesting and foraging sites.
Various predators, including snakes, birds, and larger lizards, pose a threat to the Asian Gecko. Additionally, they may also be affected by parasitic infections such as mites and ticks. Despite these challenges, the Asian Gecko’s adaptability and resilience enable them to maintain stable populations in a range of habitats, including urban environments.
Are Asian Geckos A Pest?
Asian geckos, specifically the common house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus), have been identified as a potential pest threat in various regions around the world. These geckos have the ability to outcompete native gecko species for resources, resulting in a decrease in native gecko populations. This can disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems and negatively impact the food chain. Additionally, the large number of Asian geckos and their feeding habits can have broader impacts on the ecosystem.
In some areas, Asian geckos have become a pest, including parts of Australia, the Pacific Islands, and the United States. In response to their impact, measures are being taken to address the threat of Asian geckos, such as the implementation of control and mitigation strategies. These measures aim to manage the spread of Asian geckos and minimise their impact on native species and ecosystems.
Asian Geckos and How To Control Them
If you’re looking to control Asian geckos in your home, there are several methods that can help reduce their presence. First and foremost, it’s important to eliminate their food source by getting rid of insects in and around your home. This can be done by using insecticides, keeping your home clean, and sealing up any cracks or crevices where insects may enter.
Additionally, using insect screens on windows and doors can prevent geckos from entering your home. Turning off outdoor lights at night can also help to reduce the number of insects, which in turn can reduce the number of geckos attracted to your home.
Another method for controlling Asian geckos is to use glue boards in areas where they are commonly seen. These boards can help to trap and remove geckos from your home.
While these methods can help reduce the presence of Asian geckos in your home, it’s important to understand that they cannot be completely eradicated. Geckos are beneficial in controlling insect populations, so it’s best to focus on minimising their presence rather than trying to eliminate them entirely.
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