NOTES AND QUERIES
BROOK'S GECKO FOUND IN MACAU
191
In an earlier note (Romer, 1977, p.232) I recorded the first known occurrence of Brook's Gecko, Hemidactylus brookii Gray (Reptilia: Sauria: Gekkonidae) in Hong Kong, and outlined the known geographical range of this species throughout the world. The purpose of the present note is to add a further record of the occurrence of this lizard in the geographical area of southern China.
Through the enthusiasm of a young herpetologist (Mr. Stephen J. Karsen) who visited the Portuguese territory of Macau in June 1979, I received for identification three geckos which he collected there during his visit. They are females, one adult and two sub-adults, and all belong to the species Hemidactylus brookii. They had been found under stones near the Hotel Bella Vista. In Mr. Karsen's view, based on geckos seen (but not captured) in other localities, this species may be well established or even common in Macau.
Many species of reptiles, besides Brook's Gecko, have been widely distributed in the world by Man either unintentionally or deliberately. The main interest in the present instance is the scarcity of records of this species in China. As to whether the Brook's Geckos which breed in at least one locality in Hong Kong were introduced from Macau, or from elsewhere, is a matter of conjecture.
REFERENCE
Romer, J. D.
1977 (printed 1978) Reptiles New to Hong Kong. J. Hong Kong Branch R. Asiatic Soc. 17, pp.232-234.
Hong Kong,
15 July 1979
J. D. ROMER