About

About Me

Ingrid Schoonover is a research biologist located in Washington, D.C., she started Capital Geckos and the Rhacodactylus Research Initiative in 2019 with the goal of breeding New Caledonia gecko species for the dual purposes of conservation and scientific research. Today the Capital Geckos research facility is home to over 100 geckos across six genera, and the Rhacodactylus Research Initiative has grown to a team of five.

 

Ingrid Schoonover

Ongoing Projects

It is important to remember that species do not exist as independent entities but rather as a component of a larger living system (an ecosystem), so I approach my research from a framework that incorporates the interaction of abiotic and biotic factors, because any conservation efforts that do not consider all of the moving parts of an ecosystem will be unsuccessful in preserving the existence of a species into the long-term future. I am trying to gain as complete of an understanding into the diversity of fauna and flora on New Caledonia, how the composition of communities has changed over evolutionary time, time and spatial variations in abiotic factors, species interactions, historic species distributions, climate and geology, and past/ongoing threats.

My previous work identified considerable individual variation in the sex ratios of gargoyle gecko offspring, with some geckos producing highly male-skewed litters, others producing female-skewed litters, and some with more balanced sex ratios. My hypothesis is that the extreme variation in sex ratios is the result of an interaction between genotype and incubation temperature, with certain incubation temperatures capable of overriding the chromosomal sex-determining signals such that sex-reversed individuals are produced some of the time. Such a genetic x environmental sex determining system with sex-reversed individuals could explain why certain animals produce all male or all female litters. I am testing this hypothesis by randomly assigning the eggs from 20 pairs of gargoyle geckos to four different incubation temperature treatments across the range of viable incubation temperatures (67.1 F, 71.6F, 76.1 F, and 80.6 F). We will not have the results from this study for another year or so, but our hope is that this experiment provides evidence to reject or confirm the role of incubation temperature in sex determination. If we find a definitive link between incubation temperature and sex ratios then we will have further studies to determine the thermosensitive period, pivotal temperature points, and genetic variation in thermosensitivity. We are also interested in investigating the role of hormones and the aromatase gene in sex determination.

For more information see: An Introduction to Environmental Sex Determination

We have ongoing studies that are exploring the inheritance of gargoyle gecko color and pattern morphs. Methods of analysis include absorption spectroscopy to quantify color values such as hue and lightness, image processing programs to analyze pigment and pattern distributions, and histology to describe the structure of chromatophores and pigment-containing molecules.

Gargoyle Gecko Color Development

Our research facility supports New Caledonia Gecko conservation efforts in three main ways: (1) by maintaining ex-situ assurance populations and a captive breeding program breeding, (2) pioneering research that is directly transferable to supporting New Caledonia conservation programs, and (3) through raising awareness and providing educational information to the general public.

The natural populations of Giant Geckos are declining due to habitat loss and degradation associated with mining activities, agriculture, logging, invasive species, and fires. As the habitats of New Caledonia Giant Geckos become increasingly altered and degraded by human activities the risk of extinction increases, and the need for sustainable ex-situ populations becomes increasingly critical in securing the long-term survival of these species.

We have established a diverse captive population of Rhacodactylus auriculatus with an effective population size of 51.7 (28 females and 24 males) that can be sustainably maintained for generations without experiencing the effects of inbreeding depression. This breeding population of geckos was established from an original founding population with an effective population size of 300 individuals (151 females and 149 males), and with an average Pedigree-Based Inbreeding Coefficient equal to F=0.007 the probability of two individuals sharing identical alleles by descent is approximately 0.7%. The degree of relatedness for this ex-situ breeding population is far below the recommendations for a maximum IBD of F=0.125. Additionally, we have several unrelated wild lineages of Yate and Mount Koghis localities (F1, F2, and F3 generation). Ultimately the goal of maintaining this assurance population is to reduce the risk of extinction and to preserve options for future conservation strategies. This population could be used to restore the genetic viability of wild populations experiencing a bottleneck or signs of infertility, supplement natural population numbers, or to reintroduce geckos to their historic range.

While we have mainly focused on R. auriculatus we are also breeding and maintaining the following species in smaller numbers: Bavayia cyclura, Correlophus ciliatus (Ile des Pines), Correlophus sarasinorum, Mniarogekko chahoua (Grande Terre and Ile des Pins localities), and Rhacodactylus leachianus (Grande Terre, Ile des Pins, and Ilot Moro localities).

It is important to remember that individuals managed in artificial conditions experience different selection pressures from those in natural conditions of their natural habitat, but that reptiles when compared to mammals have a lower relative risk for artificial adaption during consecutive generations in captivity. In an attempt to reduce the rate of artificial adaptation I have maintained all geckos in semi-natural conditions where individuals are subject to near natural environments (climate, living environment, shelter, nutrition, water). At some point in the future with enough funds and space I would like to construct large multi-species enclosures that more closely mimic the selective pressures that they experience in the wild including competition for access to resources, sexual selection, and predation.

Our captive gecko populations provide an opportunity to conduct conservation research projects to gain insight into the ecology of New Caledonian gecko species. Specific research efforts that support conservation include recognizing specific life stages that are at higher risk of exploitation or human-related mortality, life stages that would provide a greater benefit for reintroduction, factors influencing developmental success and survival rates, optimal population age and sex distributions, life history information, species interactions, species-typical behavior, and nutritional requirements.

Furthermore, maintaining these geckos in captivity allows for educational demonstrations which gives people a chance to learn about and observe them in captivity, which has been an effective method for increasing awareness to the threats that New Caledonia geckos experience in the wild and the need for their conservation. I have been able to engage both the general public and fellow scientists in conservation efforts by bringing live specimens to research presentations. Furthermore, I have provided the scientific and herpetoculturist communities with free information that empowers informed decision making and improves husbandry standards.

Introduction to the New Caledonian Giant Geckos

Meet the Gecko that Can Clone Itself [Parthenogenesis]

Gargoyle Gecko Care Guide

Incubation Length Calculator

Gargoyle Gecko Hatch Weight Calculator

Free articles are available at Herpetological Information

Past Projects

This project characterized the reproductive behavior and development of the gargoyle geckos, including the breeding season, reproductive output, incubation length, differential parental investment, influence of maternal body condition on offspring fitness, clutch size and weight, hatchling size and growth rate. See the links below for more information.

American University Biology Capstone by Ingrid Schoonover: An Overview of Reproduction and Development in Rhacodactylus auriculatus

“An overview of Reproduction and Development in Rhacodactylus auriculatus” [Capstone Presentation Summary]

Analysis of the mineral content revealed that New Caledonia geckos lay a unique type of eggshell with an unusually high calcium content. This type of eggshell is unlike the two types of gecko eggs described in literature, with the eggshell of New Caledonia giant geckos resembling the appearance of soft and flexible parchment-shelled eggs that are seen in other tropical gecko species but with the calcium content closer to what is seen in hard rigid-shelled eggs of desert gecko species. Further studies will be investigating the factors that influence variation in the mineral content of gargoyle gecko eggshells. Currently I am exploring the role of maternal body condition, breeding experience, fertile versus non-fertile eggs, and freshly laid versus freshly hatched eggshells.

In this study I explored the geographical variation in R. leachianus morphology and identified the ecological factors that influence colors, pattern, and body size.

Areas of Interest

New Caledonia Ecology

I am fascinated by everything relating to New Caledonia Ecology, including the geological history and the evolution of its species, microendemism, the functional ecological roles of each species in their environment, species interactions, climate and weather, the diets, life history, and social behavior of New Caledonia fauna.

Sexual Determination

I became interested in exploring the diversity of Environmental Sex Determining (ESD) mechanisms after noticing that most New Caledonia geckos do not produce offspring in the typical 1:1 balanced sex ratio seen with Genetic Sex Determination (GSD). What ecological factors promote selection for either ESD or GSD? Can they exist in conjunction? What evolutionary benefits are conferred by the sex determining mechanism?

Reproduction

Exploring intraspecific and interspecific variations in New Caledonia Gecko reproductive strategies, the factors that lead to optimal reproduction, as well as the energy dynamics of mating and reproduction. More specifically, I have been investigating parental investment, the effects of maternal condition and environmental variables on reproductive success, reproductive physiology and anatomy, mating behaviors, sexual selection, facultative parthenogenesis, incubation, and eggshell morphology.

Development

In order to optimize conservation efforts, it is important to understand the developmental stages in New Caledonia geckos. Therefore, I am doing research into the genetic and environmental factors that optimize growth and development, life history tradeoffs, color development, developmental deformities, and the developmental comparison of parthenogenetically-produced versus sexually-produced offspring.

Polymorphism

I was originally drawn to the New Caledonia  geckos because of their incredible variety of colors and patterns. This interest has led me down the path of studying the ecological roles of color, the genetic mechanism and evolutionary benefit of polymorphism, inheritance of color and pattern, physiological color change, and the biochemical properties of chromatophores.

Legal Statement and Ethics

The Animal Welfare Act (AWA)  was enacted in 1966 to ensure the humane care and treatment of animals intended for these purposes. The AWA and its corresponding regulations, regulate the transportation, purchase, sale, housing, care, handling, and treatment of warm-blooded animals intended for use in research, in animal exhibitions, or as pets. Certain animals including cold-blooded animals such as lizards are other reptiles are not covered by the AWA.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires research facilities to be licensed or registered when working with species regulated by the USDA Animal Welfare Act. We are exempt from licensing and registration with the USDA since reptiles are exempt from AWA regulation by law, and because our research facility is only working with non-regulated species. Nevertheless, we support the inclusion of reptiles under the AWA and thus our facilities will be operated in accordance with the rules of the Animal Welfare Act.

Our research facility does not condone the use live animals in invasive or cruel procedures/studies; therefore, all of our research projects are limited to observational studies and guided by three principles for responsible research. Generally speaking, we are ethically opposed to any studies that would induce stress, cause pain, disrupt normal activities, force abnormal activities, and/or place an individual at an increased risk of death. Additionally, the research facility is strictly laboratory-based and is only working with captive-bred animals. Furthermore, none of the species we work with are CITES-listed nor are they controlled by the Lacey Act.

Principle 1: The advancement of species-specific scientific knowledge is vital for the conservation of New Caledonia gecko species and for improved treatment in captivity.

Principle 2: Scientific discovery and humane treatment need to be balanced; we do not condone scientific discovery at the expense of animal welfare.

Principle 3: Humane treatment is not just recommended but is necessary to produce research results that are applicable to both geckos in natural populations and in captivity because appropriate habitat and husbandry is essential for species to engage in normal behavior and activities.

Our Research Mission is to investigate the behavioral, physiological, and ecological characteristics of New Caledonia geckos in support of their conservation.

 

All of our research is carried out in accordance with the law and follows the guidelines set out by the Herpetological Animal Care and use Committee in “Guidelines For Use of Live Amphibians and Reptiles in Field and Laboratory Research”. Second Edition, Revised by the Herpetological Animal Care and Use Committee (HACC) of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, 2004. (Committee Chair: Steven J. Beaupre, Members: Elliott R. Jacobson, Harvey B. Lillywhite, and Kelly Zamudio). Research activities are approved by our Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) prior to the initiation of any projects.

IACUC: Animal Care and Use Committee

Overview

The Animal Welfare Act (AWA)  was enacted in 1966 to ensure the humane care and treatment of animals intended for these purposes. The AWA and its corresponding regulations, regulate the transportation, purchase, sale, housing, care, handling, and treatment of warm-blooded animals intended for use in research, in animal exhibitions, or as pets. Certain animals including cold-blooded animals such as lizards are other reptiles are not covered by the AWA.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires research facilities to be licensed or registered when working with species regulated by the USDA Animal Welfare Act. We are exempt from licensing and registration with the USDA since reptiles are exempt from AWA regulation by law, and because our research facility is only working with non-regulated species. Nevertheless, we support the inclusion of reptiles under the AWA and thus our facilities will be operated in accordance with the rules of the Animal Welfare Act.

Our research facility does not condone the use live animals in invasive or cruel procedures/studies; therefore, all of our research projects are limited to observational studies and guided by three principles for responsible research. Generally speaking, we are ethically opposed to any studies that would induce stress, cause pain, disrupt normal activities, force abnormal activities, and/or place an individual at an increased risk of death. Additionally, the research facility is strictly laboratory-based and is only working with captive-bred animals. Furthermore, none of the species we work with are CITES-listed nor are they controlled by the Lacey Act.

Principle 1: The advancement of species-specific scientific knowledge is vital for the conservation of New Caledonia gecko species and for improved treatment in captivity.

Principle 2: Scientific discovery and humane treatment need to be balanced; we do not condone scientific discovery at the expense of animal welfare.

Principle 3: Humane treatment is not just recommended but is necessary to produce research results that are applicable to both geckos in natural populations and in captivity because appropriate habitat and husbandry is essential for species to engage in normal behavior and activities.

Our Research Mission is to investigate the behavioral, physiological, and ecological characteristics of New Caledonia geckos in support of their conservation.

 

All of our research is carried out in accordance with the law and follows the guidelines set out by the Herpetological Animal Care and use Committee in “Guidelines For Use of Live Amphibians and Reptiles in Field and Laboratory Research”. Second Edition, Revised by the Herpetological Animal Care and Use Committee (HACC) of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, 2004. (Committee Chair: Steven J. Beaupre, Members: Elliott R. Jacobson, Harvey B. Lillywhite, and Kelly Zamudio). Research activities are approved by our Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) prior to the initiation of any projects.

More information about our Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) can be found here at Rhacodactylus Research Initiative IACUC including the role, rules of procedure, the scope of power, and recommendations from the Herpetological Animal Care and Use Committee (HACC) of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists.

Our 2022 IACUC-approved current operating procedure can be viewed here at 2022 IACUC-Approved Current Operating Procedure or downloaded as a PDF with IACUC Approved Operating Procedure (2022). This document outlines our facility's (1) research procedures, (2) housing and maintenance of animals, (3) program of veterinary care, (4) disposition of ill or dead animals during the course of study, and (5) disposition of living healthy animals following the study.

IACUC Committee Members

Chairpersons: Ingrid Schoonover, Hannah Mahaffey

Nonaffiliated members: Mike Walsh, Bridget Burns

Alternative members: Mollie Russell

Ingrid Schoonover

CEO of Capital Geckos and Principal Investigator for the Rhacodactylus Research Initiative

Education and Training: B.S. Biology (American University 2022) [3.9/4.0 GPA]

Biography: Ingrid Schoonover (she/her/hers) is a research biologist and the founder of the Rhacodactylus Research Initiative and Capital Geckos. During her undergraduate research at American University, she prioritized coursework in Behavioral Ecology, Biochemistry, Ecology, Entomology, Evolution, Genetics, Marine Mammals, Ornithology, Wildlife Conservation, Statistics, Environmental Field Work, and Biochemistry. She has researched and presented on a variety of herpetology topics including “Using comparative ecology to explore the morphological variation among populations of Rhacodactylus leachianus (New Caledonia Giant Gecko)”, “Implications and Solutions for the International Trade in Reptile Species”, “Gargoyle Gecko Conservation Opportunities”, and “Capstone Presentation: An Overview of Reproduction and Development in Rhacodactylus auriculatus”. Ingrid also contributed to the Smithsonian National Zoo during her time in 2019 as a Conservation Educator with Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ). Her contributions include creating a herpetology training program for zoo volunteers, writing signage for the Bird House and Reptile House animal exhibits, writing species-specific fact sheets for the Smithsonian website, developing and managing activities for educational events, researching and communicating conservation issues to the public, and establishing a database for the Zoo’s conservation initiatives and success stories. Prior to her undergraduate studies, Ingrid was a pet care associate for PetSmart and a horse leader volunteer at Celtic Charms Therapeutic Horsemanship. Ingrid also delivers educational herpetology presentations at high schools, pet stores, and community events.

Role: As a research biologist Ingrid serves as the Principal Investigator for the Rhacodactylus Research Initiative and also manages all aspects of the Capital Geckos business including but not limited to administration, educational outreach, budget, research design and implementation, animal care and breeding.

Hannah Mahaffey

Owner at Graveyard Exotics, Animal Caregiver and Administrative Assistant at Capital Geckos, and an Appointed Chairperson for the Rhacodactylus Research Initiative
Hannah Mahaffey

Education and Training: Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H

Biography: Hannah Mahaffey (she/her/hers) is a passionate herpetoculturist interested in keeping, breeding, and advocating for reptiles. She has 10 years of experience in the reptile hobby, and she started breeding and selling New Caledonia geckos in 2022.

Role: Hannah maintains expertise in the use of the facility, assists with the development, review, and approval of business plans and budget, daily observation of geckos, and caregiver to geckos as needed.

Bridget Burns

OTHS School Psychologist and nonaffiliated IACUC member for the Rhacodactylus Research Initiative
Bridget Burns

Education and Training: Psy.D. Advanced Doctor of Psychology (Fairleigh Dickinson University 2022)

Biography: Bridget Burns (she/her/hers) is a fifteenth year school psychologist at Ocean Township High School in Oakhurst, NJ. She graduated with her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology and school psychology certification from Georgian Court University in June 1996, and is currently working towards obtaining a doctorate in School Psychology through Fairleigh Dickinson University.  Bridget says, “As far as my role at OTHS, I view myself as an advocate for children and families. I provide consultation services, conduct psychological evaluations, functional behavior assessments, and threat and suicide assessments. I also offer direct services to students in either individual or group settings. As a case manager, I collaborate with school staff and families to develop plans that provide educational supports and services necessary for students to succeed in school. I enjoy working with a variety of students and am dedicated to improving outcomes for all students.”

Role: Bridget’s experience and education in ethics allow her to identify and manage potential conflicts of interest that may come up in the course of study.

Mike Walsh

Gekkotan Breeder and nonaffiliated IACUC member for the Rhacodactylus Research Initiative
Mike Walsh

Education and Training: Some coursework in Biology and 10 years of experience in breeding New Caledonia gecko species.

Biography: Mike (he/him/his) breeds 72 species of Gekkota and maintains 350+ animals in his collection of over 90 species. The genera that he is currently working with include: Assacus, Bavayia, Bunopus, Chondrodactylus, Correlophus, Cyrtodactylus, Eurydactylodes, Geckoella, Gonatodes, Hemidactylus, Homonota, Nephurus, Oedura, Pachydactylus, Phelsuma, Phyllopezus, Pytodactylus, Pristurus, Rhacodactylus, Sphaerodactylus, Tarentola, Teratroscincus, and Trachydactylus.

Role: In addition to his responsibilities as an IACUC member, Mike has also been a great resource for discussing topics related to reptile ecology, husbandry, behavior, breeding, conservation politics, and experimental design.

Mollie Russell

Graduate Student at American University and alternative nonaffiliated IACUC member for the Rhacodactylus Research Initiative
Mollie Russell

Education and Training: M.S. Sustainability Management (American University 2022) & B.S. Environmental Science (American University 2021)

Biography: Mollie has a passion for environmental sustainability and an interest in the fields of zoology including herpetology.

Role: Mollie serves as an alternative nonaffiliated IACUC member when full-time members are unavailable.

Our Values

Approaching Research and Conservation through an Ethical Framework

Conservation

Conservation and Preservation of New Caledonian Biodiversity

Animal Welfare

Animal Welfare and Science-Backed Husbandry Practices

Responsibility

Responsibility and Justice for the Historical Exploitation of New Caledonia’s Animals and Indigenous People

Community

Community Engagement and Collaboration

Education

Education, Awareness, and Free Access to Information

Discovery

Creative Discovery

Passion

Passion for Animals