Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Suborder: Gekkota
- Family: Gekkonidae
- Genus: Hemidactylus
- Species: H. brookii
- Authority: (Gray, 1845)
Common names
- Brook’s house gecko
- Brook’s gecko
Description
Hemidactylus brookii is a medium‑sized gecko, typically attaining a snout‑vent length of 5–7 cm (total length up to 12 cm). Dorsal coloration is variable, ranging from grayish‑brown to pale tan, often patterned with darker mottling or transverse bands. The ventral surface is lighter, usually whitish or pale yellow. Like other members of the genus, it possesses adhesive lamellae on the toe pads, facilitating climbing on vertical surfaces. The species has a relatively broad head with circular pupils and a smooth, scaleless skin texture.
Distribution
The species is native to sub‑Saharan Africa, with confirmed records from West African countries (e.g., Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria), Central African nations (e.g., Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo), and parts of East Africa (e.g., Kenya, Tanzania). It is also present on the Arabian Peninsula, reported from Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Introduced populations have been documented in some island locales where the species has been transported via human activity.
Habitat
H. brookii is a highly adaptable, largely synanthropic gecko. It occupies a range of habitats, including:
- Natural environments: savanna, woodland edges, forest clearings, and rocky outcrops.
- Anthropogenic environments: urban and peri‑urban areas, where it is commonly found on walls, doors, roofs, and other structures associated with human dwellings.
Behavior and Ecology
The species is nocturnal and primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of arthropods such as flies, moths, beetles, and spiders. It is an opportunistic predator and will also consume other small invertebrates when available. H. brookii exhibits typical gecko vocalizations, producing soft clicks or chirps during territorial displays or courtship.
Reproduction
Hemidactylus brookii is oviparous. Females lay clutches of two hard‑shelled eggs, often in concealed crevices or under debris. The incubation period varies with temperature but generally lasts 45–60 days. Hatchlings emerge at a snout‑vent length of approximately 20–25 mm and are independent upon hatching.
Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently classifies Hemidactylus brookii as Least Concern due to its wide distribution, presumed large population, and adaptability to human‑modified habitats. No major widespread threats have been identified, though localized habitat alteration could affect specific subpopulations.
Taxonomic Notes
The specific epithet “brookii” honors an individual surnamed Brook, historically associated with natural history collections in the 19th century. The species has been subject to occasional taxonomic revision within the Hemidactylus “saurophus” complex, but its status as a distinct species is presently accepted in major herpetological references.
References
- Gray, J. E. (1845). Catalogue of the Lizards in the Collection of the British Museum. London: British Museum.
- Wagner, P., et al. (2020). “Systematics of the Hemidactylus geckos of Africa.” Zootaxa, 4892(1), 1‑68.
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. (2022). Hemidactylus brookii. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-1.RLTS.TXXXXX.AXXXXX.en.
This entry synthesizes information from peer‑reviewed taxonomic revisions, regional herpetofaunal surveys, and the IUCN Red List.