Syntopic species often exhibit evolutionary mechanisms that reduce competition. A common mechanism facilitating coexistence is niche separation, which may manifest through spatial, temporal or trophic dimensions. Species that are morphologically similar, such as congeners, are likely to compete directly and thus separate their niche spatially. The microhabitat selection and partitioning of two endemic geckos of the Soutpansberg Mountains, Lygodactylus incognitus (Jacobsen, 1992; Squamata: Gekkonidae) and L. soutpansbergensis (Jacobsen, 1994; Squamata: Gekkonidae), was investigated by recording fine‐ and broad‐scale habitat variables. Results reveal that L. incognitus is restricted to high elevations above 1100 m a.s.l. and is associated with moist microclimates. Although primarily saxicolous, they also utilise tree trunks, branches and stems. Lygodactylus soutpansbergensis occurs above 800 m a.s.l and is restricted to rocky outcrops, open woodlands and rocky grasslands, often found on loose rocks. Perch height for L. soutpansbergensis is close to ground level, and they are limited to drier microclimates. Microhabitat partitioning does not appear to be due to interspecific exclusion as the smaller L. soutpansbergensis occupies the same niche dimensions in areas where L. incognitus is not present. Sites where L. incognitus occurs in the absence of L. soutpansbergensis are forested with high canopy cover, likely preventing the colonisation of L. soutpansbergensis. This suggests that morphological and physiological constraints define microhabitat limits, although this still requires testing. Anthropogenic activities are likely to threaten the persistence of L. incognitus and L. soutpansbergensis on the Soutpansberg in the future. The results from this study may aid the interpretation and understanding on the syntopy of morphologically similar species that inhabit the same macrohabitats in other areas.

中文翻译：

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两种同向壁虎的微生境选择和生态位划分

Syntopic 物种通常表现出减少竞争的进化机制。促进共存的常见机制是生态位分离，这可能通过空间、时间或营养维度表现出来。形态相似的物种，如同源物，可能会直接竞争，从而在空间上分离它们的生态位。Soutpansberg 山脉的两种特有壁虎 Lygodactylus incognitus (Jacobsen, 1992; Squamata: Gekkonidae) 和 L. soutpansbergensis (Jacobsen, 1994; Squamata: Gekkonidae) 的微生境选择和划分，通过记录精细的栖息地进行了调查变量。结果表明，L. incognitus 仅限于海拔 1100 m 以上的高海拔地区，并且与潮湿的小气候有关。虽然主要是saxicous，但它们也利用树干、树枝和茎。Lygodactylus soutpansbergensis 出现在海拔 800 米以上，仅限于岩石露头、开阔林地和岩石草地，通常在松散的岩石上发现。L. soutpansbergensis 的鲈鱼高度接近地面，它们仅限于较干燥的小气候。微生境划分似乎不是由于种间排斥造成的，因为较小的 L. soutpansbergensis 在不存在 L. incognitus 的区域占据相同的生态位尺寸。L. incognitus 在没有 L. soutpansbergensis 的情况下发生的地点被高树冠覆盖，可能阻止了 L. soutpansbergensis 的定植。这表明形态和生理限制定义了微生境限制，尽管这仍然需要测试。人为活动很可能威胁到 L. incognitus 和 L. 未来在 Soutpansberg 上的 soutpansbergensis。这项研究的结果可能有助于解释和理解居住在其他地区相同大栖息地的形态相似物种的特征。