Border Thick-tailed 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: Uvidicolus sphyrurus

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Gazetted date: 10 Jun 2016

Profile last updated: 01 Dec 2017

Description

The Border Thick-tailed Gecko is a small lizard up to 10 cm long (average 7 cm). It is fawn to brown above with faint darker brown flecks and many small white spots arranged in rows across the head, back and sides and on the legs. The gecko looks 'knobbly' due to numerous conical tubercles, especially on the tail. The tail is fat and rectangular with a thin tapering tip, and typically has four pale rings. The species has recently been re-assigned to the genus Uvidicolous .

Distribution

Found only on the tablelands and slopes of northern NSW and southern Queensland, reaching south to Tamworth and west to Moree. Most common in the granite country of the New England Tablelands. Occurs at sites ranging from 500 to 1100 m elevation. Populations are mostly fragmented, with over 50 discrete sites currently known that are separated by at least 2 km.

Habitat and ecology

As implied by another of its common names (Granite Thick-tailed Gecko), this species often occurs on steep rocky or scree slopes, especially granite. Recent records from basalt and metasediment slopes and flats indicate its habitat selection is broader than formerly thought and may have extended into areas that were cleared for agriculture.
Favours forest and woodland areas with boulders, rock slabs, fallen timber and deep leaf litter. Occupied sites often have a dense tree canopy that helps create a sparse understorey.
These Geckos are active at night and shelter by day under rock slabs, in or under logs, and under the bark of standing trees.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Clearing and fragmentation of areas of rocky dry open forest and woodland for agriculture and development.
Removal of bushrock.
Frequent burning of rocky dry open forest or woodland.
Removal of fallen timber for firewood.
Grazing and trampling of habitat by domestic stock and feral goats.
Predation by foxes and feral cats.
Poor knowledge of species' distribution and population dynamics.
Infestation by weeds, particularly coolatai grass and garden escapees.

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

Retain bushrock in its natural setting and obtain rocks for gardens only from licensed dealers.
Assist with the control of foxes, feral cats and feral goats.
Protect areas of habitat from frequent fire.
Limit firewood collection in areas of potential habitat.
Retain and protect areas of rocky dry open forest and woodland from clearing, fragmentation and disturbance.

Information sources

Cogger, H.G. (2000) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. 6th Edition. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003) Threatened Species of the New England Tablelands and North West Slopes of NSW. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
Swann G, Shea G, 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	Liverpool Plains	Predicted	None
Brigalow Belt South	Northern Basalts	Known	None
Nandewar	Inverell Basalts	Known	None
Nandewar	Kaputar	Known	None
Nandewar	Nandewar Northern Complex	Known	None
Nandewar	Peel	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Binghi Plateau	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Bundarra Downs	Predicted	None
New England Tablelands	Eastern Nandewars	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Severn River Volcanics	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Tenterfield Plateau	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Tingha Plateau	Known	None
Other State	QLD	Known	None

Images

Border Thick-tailed Gecko Image 1 of 2.
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