The question of closely related species inhabiting the same habitat has
intriqued me for some time, too. Several years ago I was surveying native
herps in forest preserves for my local forest preserve district. I often
found the two local garter snakes, Thamnophis radix and T. sirtalis, occuring
literally side-by-side. Some of the literature suggested that in other parts
of their respective ranges, the species occupied different habitats; and in
my area, I found a few "radix" only sites, as well as three or four
"sirtalis" only sites. Overall, though, they coinhabited most sites. Their
husbandries were identical, and the literature suggested few (if any) real
differences in requirements. I just concluded that the habitat was so
disturbed that whatever would have separated them under more pristine
conditions was gone.
Since that time, I have had only a few opportunities to revisit some of my
collecting sites. I have frequently not found ANY snakes, but in sites where
I found both species, I continue to find both species.
None of this may be particularly to the point about geckos. Careful field
studies need to be done (yeah�try to get funding for that one). Captive
husbandry is probably analagous to disturbed conditions. Who knows how they
partitition resources: the possibilities are endless (preferred food sources,
different heights in the trees, different photo periods, etc.).
I find any discussion of resource partioning among any species of herptiles
fascinating. I look forward to future postings on this topic.
John
###########################################################################
THE GLOBAL GECKO ASSOCIATION LISTSERV
WebSite: www.gekkota.com Archive: [EMAIL PROTECTED]/
The GGA takes no responsibility for the contents of these postings.
###########################################################################
