DNR asks for help spotting nonnative gecko species found in Indiana

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — While Indiana is host to a variety of reptiles such as turtles and snakes, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking Hoosiers to help the organization document sightings of a foreign gecko found across the state.

According to a press release Wednesday, the DNR is looking to track sightings of Mediterranean geckos. As the name implies, the species is found in the Mediterranean region of Europe along with northern Africa.

State Herpetologist Nate Engbrecht told WANE 15 Wednesday the Mediterranean geckos typically dwell in and around buildings and come to the area as hitchhikers on shipping containers. While many of the sightings have been in the southern half of Indiana, the nature of their arrival means they can show up anywhere in the state.

Although the geckos are not native to Indiana, they do not pose a threat to Indiana’s resources. The species cannot easily spread in Indiana due to needing a heated building to survive winter.

However, Engbrecht said his office learned of an area in southern Indiana where they appeared to be becoming “established,” which prompted him to ask the public for help, and his goal is to get an accurate assessment of the current state of the Mediterranean gecko population in Indiana.

“We’re seeing that happen in other Midwest states, so it’s not totally surprising,” Engbrecht said.

Engbrecht, who only has two other staff members in his department, thanked Hoosiers who are willing to assist the DNR with documenting wildlife, which he said also helps Hoosiers appreciate nature more.

“It’s great to get folks engaged with all kinds of wildlife and natural resources. I think that’s where conservation really starts and really happens … with the case of this gecko, because they live around cities and around buildings, there’s a real opportunity here for Hoosiers — a lot of eyes and ears on the ground — to actually let us know what they’re seeing,” Engbrecht said.

Mediterranean geckos are 4 to 5 inches long and are tan or pink with brown blotches on their body. The animal can also be identified by its warty skin, banded tail and bulging eyes with vertical pupils.

The DNR asks that anyone with sightings and photographs send them via email to HerpSurveys@dnr.in.gov.