Classification of Gecko (Wall Lizard)

• Phylum :- Chordata (Dorsal tubular nerve cord, notochord and gill-slits present.)
• Group :- Craniata (Definite head, Cranium with brain present.)
• Sub phylum :- Vertebrata (Vertebral column present.)
• Division :- Gnathostomata (Jaws and paired appendages present.)
• Super Class :- Tetrapoda (Paired limbs, lungs, cornified skin and bony skeleton.)
• Class :- Reptilia (Scaly vertebrates. Right and left aortic arches present. Single condyle. Pulmonary respiration. Embryo with amnion and allantois.)
• Sub Class :- Diapsida (Skull with two temporal openings separated by post-orbital and squamosal.)
• Order :- Squamata (Lizards and snakes with horny epidermal scales or shields. Quadrate bone movable. Vertebrae procoelous. Anal opening transverse.. Vertebrae amphicentrous.)
• Sub-order :- Sauria or Lacertilia (Lizards. Body slender, limbs 4. Pterygoid in contact with quadrate. Eyelids movable.)
• Family :- Gecknoidae (Toes provided with adhesive pads.)
• Genus :- Gecko

Geographical distribution

Gecko has cosmopolitan distribution but is specially found in Asian and European countries.

Habit and habitat

Gecko is a common house lizard found in every home. Nocturnal in habit. During winter they hibernate under wood, logs and crevices of the walls. They are adapted to walk on walls. They feed on insects and small invertebrates. It is a fast runner diapsid.

General Characteristics of Gecko (Wall Lizard)

• It has similarity in appearance with Hemidactylus and is also commonly called as house Gecko or wall lizard.
• Body is divided into head, neck, trunk and tail.
• Head is small, trunk and tail are elongated. Head contains nostrils and eyes.
• Behind eyes is tympanum with opening for external ear.
• Forelimbs and hind limbs are adapted for walking on walls and smooth surfaces.
• Digits of fore and hind limbs are clawed and contain vertical lamellae functioning as adhesive pads.
• Tail regenerates if broken.

Ecological Importance

Geckos, small lizards belonging to the infraorder Gekkota, are widely distributed across tropical, subtropical, and even temperate regions. They play significant ecological roles in the ecosystems they inhabit. Their ecological importance includes the following:

1. Insect Population Control

Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of insects and arthropods, including mosquitoes, flies, beetles, and spiders. By controlling these populations, they help maintain ecological balance and reduce the spread of insect-borne diseases in both natural and urban environments.

2. Prey for Higher Trophic Levels

Geckos are an important source of food for many predators, including birds, snakes, larger lizards, and small mammals. Their role as prey helps sustain these predators, contributing to the stability of food webs.

3. Seed Dispersal and Pollination

Some gecko species consume fruits, nectar, or pollen, making them inadvertent seed dispersers and pollinators. This behavior supports plant reproduction and the regeneration of vegetation, especially in tropical and subtropical ecosystems.

4. Bioindicators of Ecosystem Health

Geckos are sensitive to environmental changes, including habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. Their presence and population trends can serve as bioindicators, providing valuable insights into the health of ecosystems.

5. Pest Control in Agriculture

In agricultural areas, geckos help control pest populations that can damage crops. By reducing the need for chemical pesticides, they contribute to sustainable farming practices and protect non-target species from pesticide exposure.

6. Role in Nutrient Cycling

As part of the ecosystem’s energy flow, geckos contribute to nutrient cycling. Their predation on insects and subsequent role as prey for larger animals help recycle organic matter through different trophic levels.

7. Adaptability and Urban Ecology

Geckos are highly adaptable and thrive in urban environments, where they continue to provide ecosystem services like insect control. Their ability to coexist with humans helps maintain some ecological functions in heavily altered landscapes.

8. Cultural and Educational Importance

Geckos are often appreciated for their unique adaptations, such as adhesive toe pads that allow them to climb smooth surfaces. They are subjects of scientific studies on biomechanics, evolution, and behavior, contributing to our understanding of natural history.

By playing roles in pest control, plant pollination, food web dynamics, and environmental monitoring, geckos are crucial to the balance and health of ecosystems. Protecting their populations and habitats is essential for preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological stability.

Special Features

Geckos emit a peculiar little yapping bark when disturbed.

Identification

• Since the animal contains small head, long tail and above features, hence it is Gecko.