Pedal specialisations in dune-dwelling geckos

Abstract

Gekkonid lizards are important components of desert faunas, but are rare in dune habitats. Pedal modifications for dune-dwelling are found in geckos of the subfamilies Diplodactylinae and Gekkoninae. Three types of pedal morphologies are associated with dunes—fringed toes, spinous, swollen plantar surfaces, and webbed feet. The first is associated with the occupation of loose, leeward dune faces, the second with the utilisation of sandy substrates in general, and the third with burrowing in the compacted sand of windward dune faces. Although webs and fringes increase surface area and may aid in surface locomotion on sand, both appear primarily to facilitate movement within the substrate or in burrowing.