LONGEVITY OF GECKOS (REPTILIA: LACERTILIA: GEKKONOIDEA) IN CAPTIVITY: AN ANALYTICAL REVIEW INCORPORATING NEW DATA

ABSTRACT The maximum longevity of geckos (Reptilia: Lacertilia: Gekkonoidea) in captivity is reported for 55 species and subspecies. Ninety-five additional maximal literature records are reviewed, yielding a total of 37 new records. Among 15 species with samples of n ≥ 10 (in the authors' care), the maximum specific longevity (after capture usually as adults) ranged from 1.5 to 17.5 years. Among the total 123 taxa, 8 species attained maximum longevities of 20–37 years. Maximum longevities are partly correlated to sample size, specific body size, and also to ecological niche breadth. Additional sources for variation, including temperature effects, are discussed. Usually, longevity in captivity greatly exceeds the longevity in nature. To further such investigations, the cooperation of professionals and amateurs is advocated. Intraspecific variation of captive longevity will be discussed elsewhere.