Crowned Gecko - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Lucasium stenodactylum

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 25 Jun 2004

Profile last updated: 07 Sep 2017

Description

Brown or reddish brown, typically with a pale vertebral stripe that commences as separate stripes from each eye that converge and fuse at the nape. Individuals reach a total length of approximately 90 mm. Until recently this species was listed under the name Diplodactylus stenodactylus.

Distribution

In NSW, known from four separate locations in the state's far west. These are Sturt National Park, Mutawintji National Park, Loch Lilly, 125km south of Broken Hill, and Thurloo Downs, 145km east of Tibooburra.

Habitat and ecology

Habitat preferences largely unknown. In NSW, the species has been reported from red sand habitats and elsewhere from savannah woodland and stony areas with shrubs.
The species is nocturnal foraging on small insects.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Grazing by introduced herbivores affects the density and structure of spinifex, adjacent shrubs and ground cover. This may reduce habitat quality and increase the risk of predation for individuals moving between patches of vegetation.
Fragmentation of populations increases the risk of extinction due to genetic effects and chance events (e.g., drought and fire).
Predation by foxes or cats.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Control vertebrate pest populations (e.g., foxes, cats, goats and rabbits) which either prey on the species or compete for resources.
Implement appropriate fire regime so as to not burn all habitat within a locality at one time and to promote natural succession.
Reduce stocking intensity or exclude grazing in some areas to allow regeneration of vegetation to provide shelter for the species and habitat for food resources.
Retention of stick and leaf litter for food and shelter.
Retain fallen logs and ground debris.
Maintain exfoliating and soil surface rocks.
Maintain Triodia (spinifex or porcupine grass).
Prevent clearing of habitat.

Information sources

NSW Scientific Committee (2004) Crowned Gecko - Vulnerable species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
Swan, G., Shea, G. and Sadlier, R. (2004) A Field Guide to Reptiles of New South Wales. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Broken Hill Complex	Barrier Range	Predicted	None
Broken Hill Complex	Barrier Range Outwash	Predicted	None
Broken Hill Complex	Mootwingee Downs	Predicted	None
Channel Country	Bulloo	Predicted	None
Channel Country	Bulloo Dunefields	Predicted	None
Channel Country	Central Depression	Known	None
Channel Country	Core Ranges	Known	None
Channel Country	Sturt Stony Desert	Known	None
Mulga Lands	Paroo Overflow	Known	None
Mulga Lands	Paroo-Darling Sands	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	Urisino Sandplains	Known	None
Mulga Lands	White Cliffs Plateau	Predicted	None
Murray Darling Depression	South Olary Plain	Known	None
Other State	QLD	Known	None
Other State	SA	Known	None
Simpson Strzelecki Dunefields	Strzelecki Desert	Known	None