Potential impacts of intraguild predation by invasive Asian house geckos

Abstract

The introduction of the Asian house gecko, <i>Hemidactylus frenatus</i>, to mainland Australia has sparked considerable debate in regard to its potential impacts on native lizard species. Their historically patchy distribution across Australia has gained attention as populations have spread into peri-urban and native bushland. <i>Hemidactylus frenatus</i> potentially pose a threat to native species through competition and predation. I documented some activity of <i>H. frenatus</i> during the day, including foraging, which may broaden the potential impacts to diurnal species. Here, I highlight (i) the potential impact of predation by <i>H. frenatus</i> on native lizards and (ii) the need for empirical studies directly quantifying competitive encounters, with special interest in intraguild predation.