Caspian Grasping Gecko

Distribution

This species is present in southern Russia (Kalmykia and Dagestan), Georgia (Tibilisi and Abkhazia, possibly introduced), Armenia and Azerbaijan (from Yerevan to Julfa, Central and Eastern Azerbaijan), Iran, northern Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, southern Tajikistan and southwestern Kazakhstan (Szczerbak and Golubev 1996, Anderson 1999). It is also present on islands in the Caspian Sea. It has possibly been recorded from Syria, however, the record from Heme, South Haleb, needs to be confirmed (Szczerbak and Golubev, 1996).

Behavior

It has crepuscular and nocturnal activity, but it does appear during daylight hours in spring. This species hibernates from the end of October to the end of March - early April. The female lays two or three clutches of two eggs in a season (Szczerbak and Golubev 1996). Collective layings are known.

Habitat

This species is found in rocky areas, on cliff faces and outcrops, among ruins and in buildings (Anderson 1999). It has been recorded from open steppe habitat in Azerbaijan and it also occurs in takyr-type habitats (Szczerbak and Golubev 1996, Anderson 1999). Sometimes animals are found in the burrows of rodents.