Range expansion of the Common Dwarf Gecko, Lygodactylus capensis: South Africa’s most successful reptile invader

Abstract

Here we describe the invasion history in South Africa of the Common Dwarf Gecko Lygodactylus capensis (Smith, 1849), particularly into areas distant from its native range. We provide maps that include detailed records of translocations dating as far back as the early 1980s, describing the spread of populations through time. We find that this gecko has rapidly increased its range, is persisting at invaded sites, and is continuously spreading across South Africa