Seasonal Acclimatization in Resting Metabolism of the Turkish Gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The resting metabolic rate-temperature curves of seasonally-acclimatized Hemidactylus turcicus were examined at 20°, 25°, 30°, and 35°C, using constant pressure manometric respirometers. The winter resting metabolic rate at 20°C was significantly lower than during summer and spring. Oxygen consumption increased as temperature increased with thermal sensitivity (Q₁₀) at 20°-25°C was high during winter and low during other seasons. The pattern of acclimatization exhibited by this nocturnal gecko might serve to conserve energy during winter at low temperature and to promote activity during its active seasons.