Research

Robust Forest Gecko Bavayia robusta

Conservation status: Data deficient

Description: A moderately large species of gecko growing to a body length of 83 mm with a tail measuring 100% that of the body. It has a stout body and moderately broad toes. The colour pattern on the body typically has four to five pale blotches dark-edged below, and yellow underneath.

Natural distribution: Described from mid elevation closed forest on Mt Koghis in southern New Caledonia recent genetic studies indicate the species could include populations from the south-west coast of the main island and its offshore islands.

Distribution within Province Sud: see above.

Threats:

• potentially high level of threat to island and closed forest populations with high infestation levels of introduced fire ants (Wasmannia auropunctata) causing significant decline in abundance
• moderate to high level of threat to coastal forest from clearing for subsistence agriculture resulting in loss and further fragmentation of habitat
• localised but potentially high level of threat from exotic pests such as rats and cats (predation of adults, young and eggs) on populations adjacent to settlement

Conservation status: Until the relationships between those populations from southwest of the main island showing affinities with B. robusta and the population of B. crassicollis on Loyalty Islands are clear it is inappropriate to formally assess the species conservation status.

Future research required:

• research into the taxonomic status and distribution of the populations associated with and currently placed under B. robusta

Copyright © Australian Museum, 2002