Mauritius' Day Geckos and Their Role in the Ecosystem

Category: About Mauritius

The Day Geckos of Mauritius are fascinating creatures that add vibrant color to the island's lush landscapes. These geckos, with their vivid hues and unique behaviors, play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of this tropical paradise.

However, their survival is under threat, particularly from the invasive Madagascar Day Gecko. In this blog, we explore the characteristics of Mauritius' endemic geckos, their importance, and the ongoing efforts to protect them. 

The Endemic Day Geckos of Mauritius

Mauritius is home to five species of Day Geckos that are endemic to the island, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. These geckos are not only beautiful but also essential to the island's ecosystem. Let's take a closer look at each species:

  • Mauritius Lowland Forest Day Gecko (Phelsuma guimbeaui guimbeaui): This species has a bright green body with striking blue and red spots, growing up to 15 cm in length. It thrives in lowland forests and gardens.
  • Mauritius Upland Forest Day Gecko (Phelsuma guimbeaui rosagularis): Similar in appearance to its lowland counterpart but slightly smaller, this gecko prefers the cooler, mossy environments of the upland forests.
  • Blue-tailed Day Gecko (Phelsuma cepediana): Known for its vibrant blue tail and green body dotted with red spots, this species is commonly found in gardens and areas with abundant flowering plants.
  • Gunther’s Gecko or Round Island Day Gecko (Phelsuma guentheri): Larger and less colorful, this species blends into the rocky terrain of Round Island, growing up to 30 cm in length.
  • Mauritius Ornate Day Gecko (Phelsuma ornata): This small gecko, reaching up to 10 cm, features a bright green body with turquoise and red spots. It is often seen in gardens, forests, and urban areas.

The Threat of the Madagascar Giant Day Gecko

The Madagascar Day Gecko (Phelsuma grandis) poses a serious threat to the endemic geckos of Mauritius. Larger and more aggressive, this species competes for food and habitat, disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem. With its vivid green body and red or orange spots, the Madagascar Day Gecko can grow up to 30 cm in length, outcompeting the smaller native geckos.

What Do the Day Geckos Eat?

One of the key reasons why Day Geckos are important to Mauritius is their diet. These geckos primarily feed on small insects and other invertebrates, including flies, mosquitoes, ants, and spiders. This diet makes them natural pest control agents, helping to manage insect populations in both agricultural and residential areas. Additionally, Day Geckos consume nectar and pollen, playing a vital role in pollination and the overall health of the island’s plant life.

Why Are Day Geckos Important?

The endemic Day Geckos are not just important for controlling pests. They also contribute to the island's biodiversity by maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. As indicator species, their health reflects the overall environmental health of Mauritius. Moreover, their role in pollination helps preserve native plant species, ensuring the survival of the island’s unique flora. 

The Day Geckos of Mauritius are more than just beautiful creatures—they are essential to the island’s ecological balance. Their role in pest control, pollination, and maintaining biodiversity highlights their importance to the health and stability of Mauritius' environment. Protecting these geckos from the threat of the Madagascar Day Gecko and other challenges is crucial to preserving the unique wildlife of this Indian Ocean island. 

#DayGeckos #MauritiusWildlife #EndemicSpecies #IndianOcean #GeckoConservation #PestControl #MauritiusNature #IslandEcosystem 


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Property Finder Mauritius

2024-08-21 10:08:02

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