Taxon name
Hemidactylus persicus
Anderson, 1872
Uploaded by
National Red List Database
Taxonomic information
Scientific name
Hemidactylus persicus
Anderson, 1872
Assessed taxon level
Species
Higher level taxonomic groupings
Vertebrates
Reptiles
Species authority
Anderson, 1872
Taxonomic notes and synonyms listed
Hemidactylus persicus was described by Anderson in 1872 based on specimens collected from Shiraz, Iran; its type locality is restricted to Shiraz (Smith 1935). Morphologically typical animals occur in northeast Saudi Arabia (as far south as Al-Hofuf and perhaps ar-Riyadh), in Bahrain, Kuwait, and lowland Iraq, southern Iran, Pakistan and Gujarat (India) (Smith 1935, Anderson 1999, Minton Jr. 1966, Leviton et al. 1992, Vyas et al. 2006, Sindaco and Jeremäenko 2008). They are characterized by relatively small size (up to 67 mm SVL), a low number of lamellae under the 1st toe of pes (mean 8.8, 8-“9) and relatively numerous prenatal pores in males (mean 9.2, 8-“11) arranged in a V-shaped line in front of the vent (Carranza and Arnold 2012).
Location and scope
Specific locality or subnational name or regional name
United Arab Emirates (the)
Scope (of the Assessment)
National
Countries included within the scope of the assessment
United Arab Emirates (the)
Does the assessment cover a marine EEZ area(s)?
Not_assigned
Conservation Status
Qualifying criteria (if given)
D1
Criteria system used
IUCN
(see Assessment details)
Assessment rationale/justification
Within the United Arab Emirates, this species is known from Qarn Nazwa, the Dubai city area (where it is considered to be introduced), and from two offshore islands (Dalma and Sir Bani Yas). The species has a restricted extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO), however, the population trend at present, based on the Qarn Nazwa locality, is presumed to be stable. At Qarn Nazwa, it is thought likely that there are fewer than 1,000 mature individuals, whilst the populations on the islands, if native, are small. As a result, the species is assessed as Vulnerable (VU D1) on the basis of the restricted number of mature individuals. This taxon is not a non-breeding visitor, and it is presumed that any immigration from populations outside the UAE is not significant, and therefore there is no adjustment to the Category according to the IUCN regional and national Guidelines (IUCN 2012).Further research into the distribution and origin of the species in the UAE is required, and monitoring of the population at Qarn Nazwa is essential.
Assessment details
Assessors/contributors/reviewers listed
UAE National Red List Workshop
Criteria system used
IUCN
Reference for methods given
IUCN. 2012. IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria: Version 3.1, Second edition. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK. iv + 32pp pp. And IUCN. 2012. Guidelines for Application of IUCN Red List Criteria at Regional and National Levels: Version 4.0. Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK: IUCN. iii + 41pp.
Further information
Endemism (according to assessment)
Endemic to region
Not assigned
Taxon distribution as listed in assessment
Within the United Arab Emirates, this species is known from Qarn Nazwa and two of the islands (Dalma and Sir Bani Yas; Gardner 2013, Burriel-Carranza et al. in press), and from recent records of the species within the Dubai city area, which are presumed to be introduced. It is found from sea level to 200 m asl. Whilst the origin of this species in the UAE requires confirmation, the species was first found at Qarn Nazwa prior to widespread development that led to species introductions, and it is considered to be native to UAE at present.The global distribution of this species ranges from the Arabian Peninsula to Iraq, southern Iran (Khuzestan, Fars, Kerman and Balochistan Provinces) and Pakistan (Sind and Waziristan) (Minton 1966, Anderson 1999). It exhibits a marginal occurrence in India, where it has recently been reported from Jessore, Gujarat (Vyas et al. 2006). It is found from lowland areas to around 1,000 m asl (Minton 1966). It has been reported from northwestern Oman, close to the border with the UAE (Carranza et al. 2018).
Is there a map available in assessment?
Yes
Habitat and systems
Ecological system type
Habitat
Habitat details as listed in assessment
This species naturally inhabits rocky areas in arid regions (Qarn Nazwa population), including those in limestone outcrops where it clings to cliffs, boulders and bushes (Gardner 2013). Apparently not a house gecko in Arabia, though it has occasionally been found in houses (Gardner 2013). It is nocturnal and females lay two hard-shelled eggs glued to rock surfaces or in secure crevices.
Threats and conservation measures listed
Threats listed in assessment
There appear to be no major threats to this species at Qarn Nazwa, where it occurs within a protected area. The island populations need further research.
Publication
Els, J., Allen, D., Hilton-Taylor, C., Harding, K. (2019). UAE National Red List of Herpetofauna: Amphibians & Terrestrial Reptiles, Sea Snakes & Marine Turtles. MOCCAE, UAE
