Reproductive traits of the São Nicolau wall gecko, Tarentola nicolauensis (Gekkota, Phyllodactylidae)

H. Rösler; W. Wranik

doi:10.15407/zoo2026.01.040

H. Rösler Naturkundemuseum Erfurt, Große Arche 14, 99084 Erfurt https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5881-5127
W. Wranik Annette-Kolb-Ring 5, 18106 Rostock

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15407/zoo2026.01.040

Keywords: Cape Verde, Tarentola nicolauensis, reproductive studies

Abstract

This study provides information on main reproductive characteristics of Tarentola nicolauensis. Egg-laying behavior, clutch size, reproductive effort, size, weight, incubation period and post-oviparous weight loss of eggs as well as hatching characteristics of offspring in captivity were described. It was found that Tarentola nicolauensis produces relatively few clutches in the course of a laying season and that the majority of clutches contain a single large egg rather than two comparatively small eggs. Hatching size and hatching weight of the hatchlings correspond to the egg sizes. These reproductive traits are characteristic of many endemic species of Tarentola of the Cape Verde Islands. Studies on life history and ecology of animals are important for species conservation. Such studies are unfortunately limited for reptiles. Therefore, studies in captivity are important and complement field studies.

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