Lyla Lindsey
Geckos are a common sight in Australia, with over 170 species native to the country. They can be found in various environments, including forests, homes, beaches, deserts, and mountains. Geckos are also known to inhabit tropical and warm temperate regions, and some species have even adapted to harsh, cold conditions. In Queensland, geckos are a familiar presence, with the Bulburin Leaf-tailed Gecko restricted to the Bulburin State Forest and adjacent mountains in south-eastern Queensland. The Northern Territory is home to the Geyhra arnhemica and the Gehyra chimera, found in rocky ranges, while the Gehyra gemina occurs in the northern deserts of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. With their climbing abilities, adhesive toe pads, and diverse habitats, geckos are an integral part of Australia's diverse reptile ecosystem.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of gecko species in Australia | More than 170 |
| Common locations | Tropical and warm temperate regions, forests, homes, beaches, deserts, mountains, northern Australia, Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia |
| Appearance | Soft bodies, tiny granular scales, well-developed limbs (with five digits), large eyes with vertical pupils |
| Size | 0.64 to 6 inches long, weight between 1.6 and 2.82 ounces (males bigger and heavier than females) |
| Diet | Insects |
| Vision | Nighttime color vision 350 times more accurate than a human’s |
| Defence mechanism | Ability to detach tail if grabbed by a predator, ability to climb up most surfaces, secretion of noxious goo |
| Subspecies | Strophurus, Phyllurus, Diplodactylidae, Hemidactylus, Lepidodactylus, Nactus, Underwoodisaurus, Nephrurus levis, Thick-tailed Gecko, Bulburin Leaf-tailed Gecko, Southern Leaf-tailed Gecko, Beaded Gecko, Ringed Thin-tail Gecko, Northern Marbled Velvet Gecko, Golden-tailed Gecko |
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In homes
Asian house geckos are an invasive species in Australia, and they are known to inhabit homes in large numbers. They are small, vocal, and can be identified by their distinctive call of "chuck, chuck, chuck", as well as the small spines along their tails and the unique shape of their toe pads. These geckos are native to South and Southeast Asia and were accidentally introduced to Australia in the 1960s through shipping and transportation. They have since spread across northern Australia, particularly in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia.
Asian house geckos have become common residents in Australian homes, taking refuge in buildings and urban areas. They are attracted to the abundance of food sources, such as insects drawn to artificial lighting. While some people find their vocality annoying, others appreciate their ability to control insect populations. However, their rapid reproduction and adaptability can lead to overpopulation and potential disruption of local ecosystems.
Geckos are nocturnal hunters with sensitive night vision and the ability to cling to smooth surfaces, even glass. They are known for their communicative abilities within the reptile world and can make a variety of sounds to attract mates or warn off trespassers. They are also capable of using body language to interact with each other.
While some people may be concerned about the presence of geckos in their homes, eradication is generally considered challenging and unnecessary. These lizards can be beneficial in controlling insect populations, and sealing up entry points, installing insect screens, and reducing outdoor lighting can help minimise their presence.
In addition to Asian house geckos, there are native gecko species that may be found in Australian homes, such as the Native House Gecko (Gehyra dubia) or Dubious dtella, commonly found in Queensland, and the Southern Leaf-tailed Gecko (Phyllurus platurus), often spotted in backyards around the Sydney Basin area.
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In the wild
Geckos are a common sight in Australia, with over 170 species native to the country. They can be found in a diverse range of habitats, from forests and beaches to deserts and mountains. Geckos are highly adaptable and can climb almost any surface, including glass. They are found in both tropical and warm temperate regions of Australia, with some species surviving in harsh, cold conditions.
The Northern Territory is home to a variety of gecko species, including the Geyhra arnhemica, found in the Wongalara Sanctuary, and the Gehyra chimera, which inhabits the rocky ranges towards the Top End. The Gehyra gemina is another native species that occurs widely in the northern deserts of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, particularly in the Kimberley region.
Queensland is also known for its diverse gecko population. The Bulburin Leaf-tailed Gecko, for example, is restricted to the Bulburin State Forest and adjacent mountains in south-eastern Queensland. The Southern Leaf-tailed Gecko (Saltuarius swaini) and the Beaded Gecko (Lucasium damaeum) are other examples of species found in this state. Additionally, the ghost gecko (Gehyra lauta), known for its pale appearance, can be spotted in the bushland of north-eastern Northern Territory and north-west Queensland.
The Asian House Gecko, while not native to Australia, has become one of the most successful invasive species in the country. It is commonly found in homes across Australia, especially in Brisbane, where they are known for their loud "barking" calls and their ability to hitch rides on various forms of transport. Despite their invasive nature, many biologists agree that eradication is unnecessary and challenging due to their persistent presence in both urban and natural environments.
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In Queensland
Geckos are a familiar sight in Queensland, especially in the tropical and warm temperate regions. Asian House Geckos, an invasive species, are found throughout Queensland, except for the arid interior. They were first discovered in Brisbane in 1983, having stowed away on ships, and have since spread across the state. They are distinguished by their small spines and toe pads, as well as their loud "barking".
Queensland is home to a diverse range of native geckos, with some species restricted to specific regions. The Bulburin Leaf-tailed Gecko, for example, is found in the Bulburin State Forest and adjacent mountains in south-eastern Queensland. The Ghost Gecko, or Gehyra lauta, is found in north-west Queensland and is known for its pale appearance. Queensland also has geckos with interesting names like the Ringed Thin-tail Gecko, the Beaded Gecko, and the Southern Leaf-tailed Gecko.
The Queensland Museum and Griffith University have been involved in a two-decade-long research program that has discovered six new native gecko species. These species, found mostly in northern Australia, have smooth tails and fewer claws than other geckos.
Geckos can be found in a variety of habitats in Queensland, including forests, homes, and even under rocks and logs. They are nocturnal, with excellent night vision, and are known for their climbing abilities, thanks to their adhesive toe pads.
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In the Northern Territory
- Geyhra arnhemica, discovered at the Wongalara Sanctuary, around four hours east of Katherine.
- Gehyra chimera, found in rocky ranges towards the Top End.
- Gehyra gemina, found in the northern deserts of the Northern Territory.
- Geyhra chimera, found mainly in the Kimberley region.
- Gehyra lauta, also known as the "ghost gecko", found in the Northern Territory and north-west Queensland.
The Northern Territory is also home to the Asian house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus), which was first introduced accidentally into Darwin in the 1960s via container ships. This species has since spread across the Northern Territory, displacing native local geckos from houses in Darwin and Townsville.
Geckos are small, predominantly carnivorous lizards that can be found across every continent except Antarctica. They are known for their climbing abilities and vocalisations, which play a major role in their social interactions. Geckos have toe pads that allow them to climb smooth and vertical surfaces with ease. They are also able to produce a range of sounds, including chirps, clicks, barks, and hisses, which they use for communication. Geckos are nocturnal, with eyes that are highly sensitive to light, allowing them to see in low-light conditions.
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In Western Australia
Asian House Geckos, an invasive species, have also been recorded in Western Australia. They are small, loud, and feisty, and can often be found inside human dwellings. They were first discovered in Brisbane in 1983, having stowed away in shipping containers, and have since spread throughout Queensland and into Western Australia.
The Northern Territory, which borders Western Australia, is home to the Geyhra arnhemica and the Gehyra chimera, found in the rocky ranges towards the Top End. The Kimberley region is home to the Geyhra chimera and Geyhra calcitectus.
Geckos in Australia are diverse and can be found in various habitats, from arid deserts to rainforests. They are small, carnivorous lizards with climbing abilities and vocalizations that differ between species.
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Frequently asked questions
Geckos are a common sight in Australia, and can be found in tropical and warm temperate regions. They are known to be in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia. They can be found in forests, homes, beaches, deserts, and mountains.
Geckos are a familiar sight in Queensland, especially in tropical regions. The Bulburin Leaf-tailed Gecko is found in the Bulburin State Forest and some adjacent mountains in south-eastern Queensland. The Beaded Gecko, Lucasium damaeum, and the Ringed Thin-tail Gecko, Phyllurus caudiannulatus, are also found in Queensland. The Northern Territory is home to the Geyhra arnhemica and the Gehyra chimera, found in the rocky ranges towards the Top End.
There are over 170 species of geckos native to Australia. Six new native gecko species were discovered during a two-decade-long research program by the Queensland Museum and Griffith University. Some of the native species include the Gehyra gemina, found in the northern deserts of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, and the Gehyra lauta or "ghost gecko", found in north-west Queensland and the Northern Territory.
