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Thursday, September 30, 2010

Mediterranean Geckos Find a Home in L.A. County



The Mediterranean House Geckos are here! The Mediterranean House Geckos are here!

When the Natural History Museum launched its "Lost Lizard of Los Angeles (LLOLA)" survey this spring, it held a "lizard hunt" at both Exposition Park and Hancock Park.

After the event, attendees Will Bernstein and his son Reese decided to keep on hunting in their neighborhood. Their result: The discovery of a population of non-native Mediterranean House Geckos (Hemidactylus turcicus) in the Chatsworth region.

"As their name implies, Mediterranean House Geckos are not native to the area. But they have been widely introduced throughout the U.S. (including Hawaii), particularly in the southeast," the museum said.

Those findings will be shown this weekend, during the second annual Reptile and Amphibian Appreciation Day on Sunday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Details:

The day’s mission is to raise Museum visitors’ awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the often maligned vertebrate group — reptiles and amphibians. Events include up-close animal encounters, live music (with a nature-themed, family friendly band), art projects, hands-on activities, and plenty of interaction with professional herpetologists and “herp” enthusiasts. Various rescue groups, educational organizations, professional herpetologists, veterinarians and artists will have booths and displays.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles
Open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm
$9 for adults, $6.50 for children

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