Lord Howe Island Southern 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: Christinus guentheri

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Profile last updated: 25 Jan 2019

Description

Medium-sized lizard, pale olive-grey to dark brown above, peppered with dark brown. Whitish or yellowish brown below, peppered with dark brown. The fingers and toes are relatively long and slender. The body is somewhat heavily built. Adults are about 80 mm in length and weigh around 12 g.

Distribution

Only found on Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island. On Lord Howe Island, it is found on offshore islands including Blackburn Island, Balls Pyramid and Roach Island and less commonly on the main island.

Habitat and ecology

Wide range of forest types from lowland rainforest to montane rainforest and native grass covered small islands.
This species prefers rocky areas that offer protection in crevices, under rock slabs or boulders embedded in the soil. Sometimes found in cracks and crevices in tree bark.
Forage on the ground and in trees for insects and other invertebrates as well as feeding on nectar of certain trees.
They lay around 1-3 eggs per clutch and are nocturnal.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Predation by introduced rodents. Rodents are probably the main reason for the species' decline on the main island.
Habitat disturbance through weed invasion, trampling and clearing.
Potential for introduction of non-native invertebrates (eg Fire/Crazy Ant).
Possible competition for food resources with the introduced Grass Skink.
Possible introduction of the Black Rat on to offshore islands.

Recovery strategies

Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological community. The Office of Environment and Heritage has identified 3 priority actions to help recover the Lord Howe Island Southern Gecko in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Control and eradicate introduced rodents.
Establish rodent baiting stations on key offshore islands to prevent establishment of rodents.
Prevent habitat disturbance through weed invasion, trampling and clearing.
Continue vegetation regeneration program on Blackburn Island.
Implement and monitor the quarantine plan.
Monitor the status of populations.
Investigate the impacts of the introduced Grass Skink on the food resources of the Lord Howe Island Gecko.
Research into the ecology and genetics of species to provide information to assist in its conservation.

Information sources

Cogger, H.G. (1971) The Reptiles of Lord Howe Island. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 96(1): 23-40
Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E., Sadlier, R. and Eggler, P. (1993) The Action Plan for Australian Reptiles. (Australian Museum, Sydney)
Cogger. H.G. (2014) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. 7th Edition. (CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood.)
Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW (2007) Lord Howe Island Biodiversity Management Plan. (DECC NSW, Sydney South)
Wilson, S. and Swan, G. (2003) A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)