Distribution and Potential Introduction of the Flat-Tailed House Gecko, Hemidactylus platyurus (Schneider, 1792) (Reptilia: Sauria: Gekkonidae)

Abstract

The work analyzes the recent range of Hemidactylus platyurus, which covers most of the Oriental biogeographic region and the zone of introduction during the late 20th century in Florida, USA. A GIS model for this widespread species, which was constructed using the Maxent method based on bioclimatic variables and altitude data, is proposed. The model is in good agreement with the previously known range. The most valuable parameters in this model are four bioclimatic factors (temperature seasonality (39.3%), precipitation in the warmest quarter of the year (31.1%), average daily temperature difference (18.8%) and seasonality of precipitation (8.1%)), which made the largest contribution (97.3%). The analysis of the overlap of ecological niches and recent ranges confirms the sympatric relationship of H. platyurus with H. frenatus, H. garnotii, and H. brookii. This forecast allows us to assess the potential territories for the expansion of H. platyurus to other continents.