Abstract:
Many studies have examined the effect of caudal autotomy on speed and behaviour of lizards
escaping over horizontal surfaces, but there have been few studies on lizards escaping over
vertical surfaces and, in particular, species that jump between surfaces.We examined jumping
by the Cape dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus capensis) in terms of individuals’ varying states of tail
autotomy and regeneration. Although longer jumps were less likely to be successful (i.e. the
animal would not successfully grip the surface and fell to the ground), there was no difference
in the distance over which animals with full and partial tails would attempt to jump. Both
recently autotomized individuals and individuals with intact tails successfully jumped up to
nine times their body length (snout–vent length). The jumping ability of L. capensis was
therefore clearly not negatively impaired by tail loss, presumably because the geckos are using
their hind legs to propel their jump. Their tails may, however, be important to control their
landing as well as their locomotion on vertical surfaces. The high observed frequency of tail
loss, coupled with rapid and complete regeneration (including the scansorial tail tip), suggests
that caudal autotomy is an important survival tactic in this species.
