Does Egg Clutch Size Determine the Abundance of Indian Golden Gecko Calodactylodes aureus (Beddome 1870)? An Example from SPSR Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

The Indian Golden Gecko Calodactylodes aureus is an endangered, Scheduled I geckonid lizard. It is endemic to Peninsular India. It is rediscovered by many scientists in the recent past, redefining its distribution and raising lot of concerns of conservation issues. In this backdrop, we undertook a survey to record its presence in SPSR Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Following line transect method, the distribution is recorded, and we tried to relate the abundance of the animal to communal egg clutch size. 15 habitats were identified. It is observed that population size has a positive correlation to egg clutch size. Since egg clutches are prone to various threats, it is strongly suggested to initiate conservation measures.