Research

Large-scaled Chameleon Gecko Eurydactylodes symmetricus

Conservation status: Vulnerable

Description: A small species of gecko growing to a body length of 53mm and tail 100-107% that of the body. It has moderately broad toes and large, regular plate like scales on the head and neck, there is a distinctive groove running from the corner of the mouth to beyond the ear opening. The colour pattern on the body is typically pale with a mottling of darker markings, sometimes forming a pattern of transverse bars across the body.

Natural distribution: Restricted to southern New Caledonia.

Distribution within Province Sud: Recorded from Pic Ningau south to Prony.

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
• moderate to high level of threat to maquis shrubland through repeated firing leading to a decline in quality of habitat
• potentially moderate level of threat to populations inhabiting maquis shrubland on ultramafic soils through activities associated with mining leading to a decline in area, extent and quality habitat
• generally low level of threat from exotic pests such as rats and cats (predation of adults, young and eggs)
• localised but potentially intensive threat by collection for illegal trade at readily accessible sites

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

Conservation status: Eurydactylodes symmetricus is recorded from four locations in the south of the island, in both maquis shrubland and closed forest habitat, each site record potentially represents an isolated sub-population.

The species overall distribution as it is known satisfies the criteria for a small distribution (area of occupancy <500km2), but it is likely to be recorded from additional locations with further survey work. Threats leading to a continuing decline in maquis and forest have been identified. The threat posed by introduced Fire Ants on populations closed forest habitats is significant, particularly small seasonally dry forest patches. Also of particular concern is the affect of fire on maquis shrubland, (loss of diversity) leading to simplification of the habitat. Infestations of Crazy Ants in maquis shrubland in Province Sud have only been recently been identified as a potential threat to lizard diversity.

The species overall small distribution in combination with a suite of threats which impact on the area, extent and/or quality of habitat occupied by the species, indicate it should be categorised as Vulnerable.

Future research required:

• undertake targeted survey work to more comprehensively document the species overall distribution, particularly on remnant forest on ultramafic peaks in the north of the species range
• assess the extent of decline in area and/or quality of closed forest habitat with regard to the impact of fire on the forest edge
• assess and monitor the spread of the fire ant on populations in closed forest habitat

Copyright © Australian Museum, 2002