(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species GECKO, MONITO
Species Id ESIS154007
Date 14 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - GECKO, MONITO
OTHER COMMON NAMES - GECKO and MONITO
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Reptiles
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - REPTILIA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - SQUAMATA,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - GEKKONIDAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - SPHAERODACTYLUS,
SPECIES AND SSP - MICROPITHECUS,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - SPHAERODACTYLUS MICROPITHECUS
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Monito Gecko
Sphaerodactylus micropithecus Schwartz, 1977
KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Reptile
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Reptilia
ORDER: Squamata FAMILY: Gekkonidae
Sphaerodactylus micropithecus is a moderate size sphaerodactyl
(males to 36 mm snout-vent length, females to 35mm, probably attaining
similar size) (01,02). The species pattern is characterized by a
light gray to dark gray dorsum; ocelli (present, indistinct, or absent
in some specimens) in scapular patches and much lighter (nearly white)
than the dorsal ground color, patch may be absent in some juveniles
and adults; a moderately dark sacral "U" or "J"; canthal temporal
lines well delineated; a tan to light brown tail that contrasts the
dorsal body coloration; and a pale frontal area that can be set off
from the dorsal cephalic pattern by a dark border stripe (01,02).
At the time of description the species was most closely related
to the S. macrolepis complex of the Puerto Rican Bank.
Dissimilarities of S. micropithecus to S. monensis and S. levinsi, of
Mona and Desecheo Islands respectively, was explained by the
involvement of different proto-macrolepis stocks (01).
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species GECKO, MONITO
Species Id ESIS154007
Date 14 MAR 96
The distinctiveness of S. micropithecus probably results from a
single invasion of Monito by a proto-macrolepis stock and through
isolation, and lack of competition, evolved into the species known
today (01). New material substantiates such distinctiveness but
points out similarities in head pattern to S. levinsi (02).
The holotype and paratype of the species (S. micropithecus) are
located at the University of Florida, Florida State Museum (UF/FSM
#21570 and 21571). Two other specimens are available at the
Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History
(USNMzz9891-2) and two at the Scientific Research Area of the Puerto
Rico Department of Natural Resources. Slides of the gecko are also
available at the locations described above and at the office of the
resident herpetologist of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Endangered Species Office.
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species GECKO, MONITO
Species Id ESIS154007
Date 14 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
Puerto Rico; Federal Endangered
Puerto Rico; State Listed
E: Federal Endangered
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Monito gecko (Sphaerodactylus micropithecus) has been
designated an Endangered species pursuant to the Endangered Species
Act of 1973 (50 CFR 17.11; P.L. 93-205, 87 Stat. 884; 16 U.S.C.
1531-1540), as amended. The species has this status wherever found
including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Critical Habitat has been
designated on the 37 acre Monito Island, midway between Puerto Rico
and the Dominican Republic (0.5 km northwest of Mona Island).
This species is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to import,
export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any wild
animal (alive or dead including parts, products, eggs, or offspring):
(1) in interstate or foreign commerce if taken, possessed,
transported or sold in violation of any State law or
regulation; or
(2) if taken or possessed in violation of any U.S. law,
treaty, or regulation or in violation of Indian tribal law.
It is also unlawful to possess any wild animal (alive or dead
including parts, products, eggs, and offspring) within the U.S.
territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in
18 U.S.C. 7) that is taken, possessed, transported, or sold in
violation of any State law or regulation, foreign law, or Indian
tribal law.
RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:
USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species.
All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely
to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402),
and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the
conservation of the species.
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
STATE: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered with Critical Habitat (Isla
Monito)
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Department of Natural Resources
STATE STATUTES: Regulation to Govern the Management of
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species GECKO, MONITO
Species Id ESIS154007
Date 14 MAR 96
Threatened and Endangered Species in the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, 1985.
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
None.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
There is no commercial utilization and minimal human contact with
this species because of its remote range and secretive habits.
80/10/22:45 FR 70192/70195 - Proposed rule
82/10/15:47 FR 46093/ - Final rule
87/07/07:52 FR 25523/25528 - Notice of review
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - TERRESTRIAL
TERRESTRIAL
LAND USE -
Shrub and Brush Rangeland
Evergreen Forest Land
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
The monito gecko has been found in areas characterized by loose
rock sheets or small piles of rocks exposed to the sun with little or
no cover (06,03). Some of these sites (e.g., the northwestern shelf
and northwestern edge) have a minor association with the spiny
Pithecellobium unguiscati, Capparis flexuosa and Lycium tweedianum
var. chrysocarpum; while others are mainly open areas (e.g., the
eastern side) with groups of bushes of Croton, Eupatorium, Melochia,
and Tournefortia (05). Whether lizards prefer these sites, or have a
specific habitat association, is unknown. The species occurs in the
shrubby and bushy areas of the subtropical dry forest that covers all
of Monito Island (11).
A complete assessment of specific environmental requirements of
the species has not been performed. Some information is available
from data collected during surveys. These data show that the species
is a ground dweller, characteristic of the genus (07), and that they
use secluded refuges under loose sheets of rock or those created by
crevices or cavities underlaid by small amounts of soil (03,06). All
refugia examined were in areas of little or no cover. Air temperature
in direct sun at noon near refugia averaged 32 degrees C while
substrate temperature under rocks was about 26 degrees C (03).
It is unknown what environmental requirements are most important
and essential for the gecko's survival.
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species GECKO, MONITO
Species Id ESIS154007
Date 14 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
CARNIVORE
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Arthropods
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species GECKO, MONITO
Species Id ESIS154007
Date 14 MAR 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G Coastal Features: Vegetated offshore islands
G Terrestrial Features: Cliffs/ledges
G Terrestrial Features: Rock outcrops
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species GECKO, MONITO
Species Id ESIS154007
Date 14 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
The Monito gecko's diet and foraging behavior is unknown.
However, like most Puerto Rican reptiles, the species is probably
carnivorous or insectivorous (07).
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
No data are available on home range or whether the species
establishes a territory.
PERIODICITY:
Although specific information on periodicity is unavailable for
S. micropithecus, general literature shows that members of the genus
Sphaerodactylus are secretive in their habits and most are crepuscular
(07).
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
This species is non-migratory and restricted in range to Monito
Island.
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
The monito gecko has been found in areas characterized by loose
rock sheets or small piles of rocks exposed to the sun with little or
no cover (06,03). Some of these sites (e.g., the northwestern shelf
and northwestern edge) have a minor association with the spiny
Pithecellobium unguiscati, Capparis flexuosa and Lycium tweedianum
var. chrysocarpum; while others are mainly open areas (e.g., the
eastern side) with groups of bushes of Croton, Eupatorium, Melochia,
and Tournefortia (05). Whether lizards prefer these sites, or have a
specific habitat association, is unknown. The species occurs in the
shrubby and bushy areas of the subtropical dry forest that covers all
of Monito Island (11).
A complete assessment of specific environmental requirements of
the species has not been performed. Some information is available
from data collected during surveys. These data show that the species
is a ground dweller, characteristic of the genus (07), and that they
use secluded refuges under loose sheets of rock or those created by
crevices or cavities underlaid by small amounts of soil (03,06). All
refugia examined were in areas of little or no cover. Air temperature
in direct sun at noon near refugia averaged 32 degrees C while
substrate temperature under rocks was about 26 degrees C (03).
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
Unknown.
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
Unknown.
PARENTAL CARE:
Information on parental care is unavailable for this species.
This behavior has never been documented for any Puerto Rican
Sphaerodactylus.
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species GECKO, MONITO
Species Id ESIS154007
Date 14 MAR 96
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Unknown.
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
There appears to be a predator-prey relationship between geckos
and rats. More data on this relationship is needed.
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
None.
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species GECKO, MONITO
Species Id ESIS154007
Date 14 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Native Vertebrates
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Exotic Vertebrates
Adverse Artillery/Explosions
Existing Artillery/Explosions
Adverse Predation
Existing Predation
Adverse Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Existing Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
Factors responsible for the apparent rarity of the species are
unknown (03). Historical background on past abundance and
distribution is unavailable prior to 1974 and little is known about
the gecko's biology.
Factors believed to be responsible for the rarity of the
gecko are rat predation (02,03,04,06) and habitat alteration by the
U.S. Navy "target bombing" practices on Monito after World War II
(08). Both the dense population of introduced rats and bomb remains
were evident during previous surveys (06,10,03,02). At present, rat
densities are still high. Research is needed to determine the affects
of predators, such as rats, on Monito gecko populations (03).
No measures (e.g., rat control programs) have been taken to
guarantee survival of the gecko.
In addition to rat predation, future threats could include
increased human activity or any other activity causing habitat
alteration.
APPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1986. Recovery Plan for the Monito
Gecko (Sphaerodactylus micropithecus). U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Atlanta, GA.
Actions recommended for the recovery of the Monito gecko include:
1. Controlling/removing exotic vertebrates.
2. Controlling/removing native predators/competitors.
3. Limiting human access.
Ongoing recovery activities include Sec 7, however no direct
recovery work is being done on the gecko at this time.
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species GECKO, MONITO
Species Id ESIS154007
Date 14 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Schwartz, A. 1977. A new species of Sphaerodactylus (Sauria,
Gekkonidae) from Isla Monito West Indies. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash.,
1977 90(4):985-992.
02 Dodd, C.K. and P.R. Ortiz. 1984. Variation of dorsal pattern and
scale counts in the Monito gecko, Sphaerodactylus micropithecus.
Copeia 1984(3):768-770.
03 Dodd, C.K. and P.R. Ortiz. 1983. An endemic gecko in the
Caribbean. Oryx 17(3):119-121.
04 Dodd, C.K., Jr. 1980. Proposed listing with endangered status and
critical habitat for the Monito gecko. Federal Register 45(206):
70,192-70,195.
05 Woodbury, R., L. Martorell, and J. Garcia. 1977. The flora of
Mona and Monito. Univ. Puerto Rico Agric. Exp. Sta. Bull.
252:1-60.
06 Ortiz, P.R. 1982. Status survey of the Monito gecko,
Shpaerodacytlus micropithecus (Sauria:Gekkonidae). Department of
Natural Resources Report. Sci. Res. Area. Terrestrial Ecol. Sect.
9 pp.
07 Rivero, J.A. 1978. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Puerto Rico.
Universidad de Puerto Rico, Editorial Universitaria. 153 pp.
08 Wadsworth, F.H. 1973. The historical resources of Mona Island.
In Junta de Calidad Ambiental de Puerto Rico. Isla Mona, Vol. 2.
Apendice N:1-37.
09 Kepler, C.B. 1978. The breeding ecology of sea birds on Monito
Island, Pueto Rico. Condor 80:72-87.
10 Ortiz, P.R. 1984. Status monitoring of the Monito gecko on May
1984. Field report to P.R. Natural Heritage Program. Dept. of
Natural Resources. 2 pp.
11 Ewel, J.J. and J.L. Whitmore. 1973. The ecological life zones of
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. U.S. Forest Service Res.
Pap. ITF 18:1-72.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Dodd, C.K. and P.R. Ortiz. 1983. An endemic gecko in the
Caribbean. Oryx 17(3):119-121.
02 Dodd, C.K. and P.R. Ortiz. 1984. Variation of dorsal pattern and
scale counts in the Monito gecko, Sphaerodactylus micropithecus.
Copeia 1984(3):768-770.
03 Schwartz, A. 1977. A new species of Sphaerodactylus (Sauria,
Gekkonidae) from Isla Monito West Indies. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash.,
1977 90(4):985-992.
04 Dodd, C.K., Jr. 1980. Proposed listing with endangered status and
critical habitat for the Monito gecko. Federal Register 45(206):
70,192-70,195.
05 Ortiz, P.R. 1982. Status survey of the Monito gecko,
Shpaerodacytlus micropithecus (Sauria:Gekkonidae). Department of
Natural Resources Report. Sci. Res. Area. Terrestrial Ecol. Sect.
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species GECKO, MONITO
Species Id ESIS154007
Date 14 MAR 96
9 pp.
06 Ortiz, P.R. 1984. Brief report on survey trip to Monito Island,
population monitoring of the Sphaerodactylus micropithecus. Field
trip report on file at PR Dept. Nat. Resour., Natural Heritage
Program. 1 pp.
07 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1980. Monito gecko proposed as
Endangered. Endangered Species Technical Bull. 5(2):10.
References - 2