An assessment of thermal preference of two species of Knob-tailed Geckos, Nephrurus levis and N. laevissimus, at Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park

Research on two species of nocturnal geckos, Nephrurus levis and N. laevissimus, at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park reveals a significant discrepancy between their laboratory-determined thermal preferences and field-active body temperatures, supporting the 'nocturnal paradox.' Both species exhibited higher preferred body temperatures (28.2–29.5°C) in controlled settings compared to those recorded during nighttime activity (14.5–32.2°C), with no significant differences between species despite distinct habitat preferences—N. levis favoring Spinifex sandplain and mulga shrubland, while N. laevissimus was more commonly found around sand dunes. The study also suggests that the swollen tail tip, a characteristic feature of Nephrurus geckos, may play a role in thermoregulation, as individuals oriented their tails toward heat sources more frequently than expected by chance.

Hays, B. J., Bidwell, J. R., & Dittmer, D. E. (2019). An assessment of thermal preference of two species of Knob-tailed Geckos, Nephrurus levis and N. laevissimus, at Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park. Northern Territory Naturalist, 29, 40–53. https://doi.org/10.5962/p.375015