Turkish gecko

Description:

Small-sized lizard with body length that does not exceed 10cm. The pupil of the eye is vertical and expands during the evenings to facilitate night vision. The body color range from pale yellow to pink. In the lateral surface of the back dark spots can be seen while in general it gives the impression of a semi-transparent body.

Basic biology:

Commonly found in houses, old ruins and stone walls along with natural areas with rocks, stones and trunks where can easily find cover during daytime. It prefers lowland areas while displaying higher densities in human settlements. It feeds mainly on small arthropods. Usually hunts during the night through ambushing flying insects that are attracted by night lights. Reproduction takes place in spring and summer. It lays two eggs which hatch a month after oviposition.

Distribution at Cyprus:

From the coast up to the high peaks of Troodos mountain.

Global distribution:

Mediterranean basin coasts (south Europe, north Africa, Asia Minor and the Middle East) and Mediterranean islands.

Condition:

Common

Protection status:

• Protected by the Bern Convention (Annex III) 

Map of confirmed presence: