Research

Vieillard's Chameleon Gecko Eurydactylodes vieillardi

Conservation status: Lower risk - least concern

Description: A small species of gecko growing to a body length of 58 mm with a tail measuring 115% that of the body. It has moderately broad toes and large plate like scales on the head and neck. It has is a distinctive groove running from the corner of the mouth towards the ear. 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: A widespread but scattered distribution throughout the main island, and also on Ile des Pin.

Distribution within Province Sud: Recorded from two locations in the north of the Province along the central ranges (Koinde, Me Adeo) and on the coast (Poya) near the border with Province Nord, and from further south at Col de Mourirange near Mt Dore and on Ile des Pin. There is a large gap between Mt Ouin and Sarramea where no records appear, which reflects a lack collecting in both coastal lowlands and the ranges in this area.

Distribution within Province Nord: Recorded from several locations in the south of the Province (see above) along the border with Province Sud, several locations further north along the central ranges (Mt Aoupinie, Foret Plate) and adjacent lowlands of the west coast (Pindai, Poidala near Kone), and several locations in the far northeast ranges.

Threats:

• potentially high level of threat to closed forest and sclerophyll forest populations with high infestation levels of introduced fire ants (Wasmannia auropunctata) causing significant decline in abundance
• moderate to high level of threat to sclerophyll and low elevation closed forest on the west coast from clearing for ranching or agriculture resulting in loss and further fragmentation of habitat
• moderate to potentially high level of threat to isolated high elevation closed forest on ultramafic soils through activities associated with mining (particularly gully forests affected by mining spoil) resulting in a decline in area, extent and quality habitat
• moderate level of threat to maquis (low, heath-like) shrubland through repeated firing resulting in a decline in quality of habitat
• low level of threat to mid elevation forest for timber plantations resulting in a decline in area, extent and quality habitat
• low level of threat to closed forest edge through repeated firing of adjacent savannah habitat resulting in a decline in area, extent and quality of habitat
• generally low level of threat from exotic pests such as rats and cats (predation of adults, young and eggs) on mainland populations, but a potentially moderate to high of threat from these forces on island populations
• localised but potentially intensive decline in area, extent and quality of maquis shrubland and closed forest habitat adjacent to urban development
• localised but potentially intensive threat by collection for illegal trade at readily accessible sites.

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

Conservation status: Eurydactylodes vieillardi occurs at 12 locations across the entire length of the island, representing up to 10 subpopulations. The species occurs in closed forest and sclerophyll forest habitats over a broad latitudinal range. Its distribution as it is known satisfies the criteria for a small distribution (area of occupancy <1,000 km2), but is likely to be recorded from additional locations with further survey work. Threats leading to a continuing decline in closed forest habitat have been identified above, however, large areas of potentially suitable habitat subject only to minimal or no disturbance occur within the species range. For these reasons it is considered most appropriate to categorise E. vieillardi as Lower Risk - least concern - the species is not considered to be under any immediate threat.

Future research required: none specifically recommended.

• general survey work in closed forest and maquis shrubland from Mt Vulcain north to Mt Sindoa determine the distribution of the species in that area
• survey to determine the presence of isolate (and potentially genetically unique) populations in disjunct maquis and closed forest patches on ultramafic substrate between Thio and Houailou

Copyright © Australian Museum, 2002