CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF AFRICAN GECKOS (REPTILIA: SAURIA: GEKKONIDAE) 1. RECORDS OF A FIVE YEAR PERIOD OF MAINTENANCE AND REPRODUCTION OF PACHYDACTYLUS VANSONI FITZSIMONS 1933

Abstract

The reproductive potential in captivity of the African gecko Pachydactylus vansoni was investigated. Thes species is semi-terrestrial with a few rows of slightly widened lamellae under the toe tips. In captivity it is predominantly crepuscular. While walking on a horizontal surface the toe tips are curled up with only the palms touching. Males display aggressive behaviour towards one another. Three types of disease are described and vitamin and calcium deficiency symptoms during the reproductive phase received special attention. This medium-sized, robust gecko may live for over eight years. Food intake is described in relation to food composition. Mating behaviour, in comparison to that of diurnal species, appears relatively poorly developed. Progressive mass loss occurs during the incubation period, and this may be related to the type of egg shell (soft-shelled eublepharine and diplodactyline and hard-shelled gekkonine and spaerodactyline eggs) and may have phylogenetic significance. The juvenile colour pattern differs markedly from that of adults.