Research

Pretty Bavayia Bavayia pulchella

Conservation status: Vulnerable

Description: A small relatively stout species of gecko growing to a body length of 45mm, with a short tail 90% that of the body, and moderately broad toes. The colour pattern on the body is variable, typically brown above with a pale vertebral stripe and pale V-shaped markings on the nape and shoulders, to individuals with virtually no pattern at all.

Natural distribution: Known only from the central ranges east of Bourail.

Distribution within Province Nord: Recorded from Me Adeo in closed forest habitat and adjacent maquis shrubland.

Maquis shrubland - low and heath-like vegetation.

Distribution within Province Sud: Recorded from ranges to the north-west of Me Adeo in closed forest habitat and adjacent maquis shrubland.

Threats:

• potentially high level of threat to closed forest populations with high infestation levels of introduced Fire Ants (Wasmannia auropunctata) causing significant decline in abundance
• potentially high level of threat to low elevation closed forest on the west coast from clearing for ranching or agriculture leading to loss and further fragmentation of habitat
• moderate level of threat to populations on ultramafic soils through activities associated with mining leading to a decline in area, extent and quality habitat
• moderate to high level of threat to maquis and adjacent closed forest edge habitat through repeated firing leading to a decline in area, extent and quality of habitat

Ultramafic - rocks that are dominated by minerals high in magnesium and iron, and which tend to be dark-coloured rather than pale.

Conservation status: Bavayia pulchella has a very small distribution on the central ranges with a likely area of occupancy of <100km2, the two locations from which it is known are approximately 5km apart and may represent a single continuous population. It has most likely suffered a decline in area of occupancy through loss of maquis and closed forest edge habitat to agriculture, and repeated firing of these habitats on the west coast ranges. The area of maquis shrubland between the two sites and at Me Adeo already has numerous exploratory roads for mining. Its' small distribution, in combination with several moderate levels of threat indicate Bavayia pulchella is at risk, and should be categorised as Vulnerable. The species could be placed at a higher level of threat if declines in the area, extent and/or quality of habitat in the species very narrow range continue.

Future research required:

• survey work in maquis shrubland remnants in the central ranges to assess the species distribution and abundance
• monitoring of likely development of the area for mining or clearing for grazing
• determine the extent and potential impact of the threats identified on known population

Copyright © Australian Museum, 2002