Moorish gecko

The Moorish gecko, scientifically known as Tarentola mauritanica, is a common lizard species native to the western Mediterranean region of North Africa and Europe. It is also recognized by common names such as the common wall gecko, crocodile gecko, and European common gecko, with regional names including tarantola, osga, salamanquesa, and dragó.

Description and Habitat

Adult Moorish geckos can reach a length of up to 15 cm (6 inches), including their tail. They are characterized by a robust body and a flat head, with their back, legs, and tail covered in prominent, conic tubercles that give them a distinctive spiny, armored appearance. Their coloration is typically brownish-grey or brown, featuring darker or lighter spots that can change intensity depending on the light conditions. They are often observed on walls in urban and coastal areas, but can also be found in environments like construction sites, ruins, rock fields, and tree trunks, sometimes extending further inland.

Biology and Behavior

This species is primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, meaning it is most active during the night or at dawn and dusk. However, they may also be active during daylight hours, particularly on sunny days in late winter, when they seek sunlight near their shelters. The Moorish gecko is predominantly an insectivore, actively hunting insects, especially nocturnal varieties, often near artificial light sources such as street lamps.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Female Moorish geckos lay two almost-spherical eggs twice a year, typically around April and June. The incubation period lasts for about four months, after which young geckos, measuring less than 5 cm (2 inches), are born. The species is characterized by a slow maturation process, taking 4 to 5 years to reach adulthood when kept in captivity.

Distribution and Impact

The natural distribution of Tarentola mauritanica spans across the Iberian Peninsula, southern France, coastal Italy, and parts of the Balkans and Greece in Europe, as well as northern Africa from Egypt to Morocco. It has also been introduced to islands like Madeira and the Balearic Islands, and to various locations in the Americas. The introduction of this species in new areas may pose a risk to native fauna, as they can prey on smaller native animals like frogs and other lizards. The adoption of the Moorish gecko as a pet has contributed to the establishment of populations outside its native range.