Zigzag Velvet 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: Amalosia rhombifer

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 10 Jun 2016

Profile last updated: 09 Jun 2022

Description

This gecko has an approximate total length of 16 cm, with an approximate snout-to-vent length of 8 cm. Individuals are rich brown above and whitish below with the sides and limbs speckled darker or paler brown. The species takes its name from a broad pale brown or cream vertebral band with a ragged zigzag edge on either side.

Distribution

The Zigzag Velvet Gecko is distributed across northern Western Australia in the Kimberly, northern to north eastern Northern Territory with outlying populations in Alice Springs, Queensland and northern NSW. The species was first recorded in NSW in 2001, and only a small number of records are known from locations on the north western slopes near the NSW-Queensland border. Two of these locations are from reserves: Dthinna Dthinnawan National Park and Arakoola Nature Reserve.

Habitat and ecology

Largely confined to woodland habitats, dominated for example by Eucalyptus sideroxylon, E. moluccana, E. blakelyi and Callitris species.
It has also been recorded from urban environments in Queensland.
This species is largely arboreal, living and foraging in trees. NSW specimens have been found beneath the decorticating bark of standing trees.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation as a result of agricultural land use and forestry.
Alteration to natural fire regimes which removes leaf litter and fallen timber that provide habitat and shelter.
In NSW, the species is likely to be comprised of several isolated populations and as a result is vulnerable to local extinction and loss of genetic viability.
Predation by foxes and cats.
Lack of knowledge on the species taxonomy and the importance of NSW to the species viability.

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 of vertebrate pest populations, in particular cats and foxes.
Implement sympathetic fire management that ensures shelter (in particular ground litter and fallen or standing dead timber) are retained and accessible to this species.
Control grazing in the vicinity of populations in order to preserve cover and prevent trampling.
Restrict cultivation around suitable ground habitat.
Retention of stick and leaf litter for food and shelter.
Retention of understorey shrubs and riparian vegetation
Retain hollows (including protection of existing mature trees), plant native hollow producing species and ensure that some trees are always left to grow to maturity.
Fence riparian vegetation to prevent disturbance associated with grazing.
Prevent clearing of habitat.
Revegetation of gullies and stream banks where vegetation has been cleared, widen the strip of riparian vegetation.
Report observations to the DPE or NSW BioNet Atlas

Information sources

NSW Scientific Committee (2004) Zigzag Velvet Gecko - Endangered 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

Brigalow Belt South	Northern Basalts	Known	None
Nandewar	Inverell Basalts	Known	None
Nandewar	Nandewar Northern Complex	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Eastern Nandewars	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Severn River Volcanics	Known	None
Other State	QLD	Known	None