Low Requirement on the Nest Site Selection Influencing the Invasion Success of House Geckos

ABSTRACT The selection of nesting sites is fundamental for the reproductive success of oviparous species. However, there are gaps regarding how animals select their reproductive sites, especially among species that do not build their nests; that is, they use natural cavities for oviposition, as is the case with many lizards. Herein, we evaluated how the physical structure and microclimatic conditions of tree hollows influence the selection of oviposition sites in a widely distributed exotic lizard, Hemidactylus mabouia (Squamata, Gekkonidae). We hypothesized that the choice of oviposition sites by females would consider: (a) structural properties of the sites related to the vulnerability of eggs to predation; and/or (b) microclimatic conditions of the sites associated with the stability of the egg incubation process. Over the course of a year, we monitored the use of 53 tree cavities on a weekly basis, recording a total of 69 H. mabouia nests. The width of the opening of the sites, their height in relation to the ground level, and the temperature variation in the hollows did not influence the choice of oviposition sites. However, cavities with less variation in humidity were used more frequently. Our findings contribute to the understanding of selection criteria for oviposition sites in species that use tree cavities as nests in general. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of the generalist habits of H. mabouia in the context of biological invasion, suggesting that the low requirements for the selection of reproductive sites may constitute a determining factor for the successful invasion of exotic lizards.