Molecular taxonomy of geckos reveals a second Tarentola species (Reptilia: Squamata) on the Maltese Islands

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The Maltese islands, situated in the Sicilian Channel, are known to host two gecko species, Hemidactylus turcicus and Tarentola mauritanica. However, gecko taxonomy is complicated by cryptic lineages within species complexes, requiring molecular approaches for accurate identification. Methods: In this study, we investigated species diversity using opportunistic sampling of 30 dead gecko specimens, including road-killed individuals, from across the Maltese islands. Due to the degraded condition of most samples, morphological identification was limited; therefore, mitochondrial markers (12S, 16S and COI) were employed to assign species identity. Results: Our analyses revealed the first records of the Tarentola fascicularis/deserti complex in Malta. This finding extends the known distribution of this complex and complements records from neighbouring islands in the Sicilian Channel, where T. mauritanica and T. fascicularis/deserti lineages occur in sympatry. Conclusions: Given the greater ecological affinity of the T. fascicularis/deserti complex for arid environments, these findings emphasise the importance of continued monitoring to clarify the dynamics of sympatry, potential ecological displacement, and the long-term effects of climate change and anthropogenic activity on the central Mediterranean herpetofauna.