Gold dust day gecko on the Hawaiian Islands

How does a lizard get from where it originates (Madagascar) to islands that are thousands of miles in the middle of nowhere?  They were illegally introduced.

In 1974, 50 years ago, a University of Manoa student in Hawaii released eight gold-dust day geckos on the campus.  Today their populations are exploding on the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, and Maui.  From eight to tens of thousands and they are not done yet.

You would think that an educated person (or one trying to be) would know not to release a potentially invasive species into an environment where the species is not endemic.  It's not like there's no precedent.  In Hawaii alone there are plenty of examples of how exotic species have multiplied uncontrollably and wreaked havoc on the ecosystem.  Common mynas, rats, mongoose, coconut rhinoceros beetles, and many more have turned the paradise into a battleground.  Have a look at the invasive species list that Hawaiian authorities are trying to control (click here).  The list is profound.

The good news is that the gold-dust day gecko is not on that list because they are not considered invasive.  So, what does invasive mean?

The term invasive is generally designated for an organism not endemic to an area that spreads rapidly and causes great harm to native species.  The gecko in question does not fit this definition because it has not put native species at risk.  But does that make it OK?  The answer is most definitely, "No."

Even if you were to do an intensive study on the possible ramifications of such a release and came to the conclusion that the species wouldn't be considered invasive, such an action is risky.  There are often large differences between what may potentially happen and what actually does.  The best plan is to let nature take its course.  Then fine the perpetrators back into the previous century.  Not that it will fix the problem, but it may give others pause.

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen.     www.ericspix.com