Age structure and growth parameters in a population of the Mediterranean house gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Sauria: Gekkonidae) from Western Anatolia

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this study, the age structure and growth parameters of the Mediterranean house gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus (Linnaeus, 1758) were studied in Izmir Province (Western Anatolia, Türkiye). Our goal is to share with readers a small sampling of observations. In total 38 specimens (9 juveniles, 11 males, and 18 females) were captured and analysed in 2018. Age estimation was achieved based on histological skeletochronology using cross-sections of the femora, which suggested a mean age of 1.5 years for juveniles (1–2 years), 3.45 years (2–5 years) for males and 3.59 years (2–5 years) for females. Maximum age was estimated at 5 years. Age at sexual maturity was estimated at 2–3 years for both sexes, and a significant positive correlation was observed between size and age.