In social species, it can be beneficial to recognise previous mates to either avoid remating with the same individuals or, in the case of stable pair formation, to recognise ones partner. Such partner recognition can lead to earlier pair formation and greater reproductive output within a breeding season. We are looking for a master student who is interested in testing mate recognition in Tokay geckos (Gekko gecko). These geckos use chemicals (pheromones) for social recognition and can discriminate their own skin and faecal chemicals from those of unfamiliar same-sex conspecifics (Szabo and Ringler, 2021). Tokay geckos are the second largest gecko species in the world and are among those few lizard species that are social. Our geckos have been kept in pairs since January 2022 und in family groups since June 2022. Starting December 2022 they will be separated moving back into single housing. We want to know if lizards can use chemical cues to distinguish their familiar from an unfamiliar mate that they have not been paired with. If they can do so, we want to know how long they can remember the odour of their familiar mate. We are looking for a student who can start early 2023.
Contact information:
Prof. Eva Ringler or Dr. Birgit Szabo
Division of Behavioural Ecology
University of Bern
Bern, Switzerland
Email: eva.ringler@unibe.ch
birgit.szabo@unibe.ch
Szabo, B., & Ringler, E. (2021). First evidence towards chemical self-recognition in a gecko. BioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.10.27.465717