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Cape Melville Leaf-tailed Gecko (Saltuarius eximius)

The Cape Melville leaf-tailed gecko is a small, highly localised gecko found in the uplands of the Melville Range on Cape Melville, Far North Queensland. Its rocky habitat may be affected by access, clearing and construction, and its camouflage and small population make it easy to overlook during site works. It is listed as Critically Endangered under Queensland and Commonwealth law.

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Critically endangered.

Queensland, Nature Conservation Act 1992: Critically endangered.

Breeding season

The Cape Melville leaf-tailed gecko is very poorly known, and no month-specific breeding season has been documented. It is a nocturnal, Queensland endemic species associated with upland boulder fields in the Melville Range, so treat suitable habitat as potentially occupied throughout the year.

Breeding mode: Not recorded

Clutch size: Not recorded

Incubation period: Not recorded

Fledging or weaning: Not recorded

Age at maturity: Not recorded

Breeding sites: Not recorded. The species shelters among rocky boulders during the day.

Activity and breeding may vary between years and sites, particularly across the Melville Range, and future surveys may refine the seasonal pattern.

  • Breeding timing: No month-specific breeding timing or seasonal peak has been documented for this species.
  • Night-time activity: The gecko is nocturnal and emerges at night to hunt on rocks and trees.
  • Daytime sheltering in boulder fields: Daytime sheltering among rocky boulders may occur in any month.
  • Highest clearing risk: Treat clearing and construction risk as high in every month because the species is critically endangered, highly localised and has no known low-risk breeding period.

Identification: Appearance and size

The Cape Melville leaf-tailed gecko is a camouflaged, nocturnal gecko associated with rocky upland country. Identification can be difficult, especially when the animal is resting against granite boulders, so suspected records should be photographed and checked by an experienced herpetologist.

The body is long and slender, with large eyes, specialised limbs and a leaf-shaped tail. Its markings and scale colours help it blend with rocks and boulder fields.

The species has been reported at about 20 cm long. Handle any animal only when necessary, and keep handling brief. Do not detach animals from shelter sites for routine inspection.

Identification: Calls and similar species

A diagnostic call or echolocation system is not described for this species. Do not rely on calls alone to clear an area.

Similar species are not documented in the available field information. Treat any leaf-tailed gecko found in suitable Cape Melville habitat as a possible Cape Melville leaf-tailed gecko until confirmed.

Identification: Field signs and confirmation

No species-specific information is available for droppings, nests, stains, odour or other indirect signs. A lack of signs does not demonstrate that the species is absent.

Record the location, date, time, habitat, substrate and behaviour. Take clear photographs of the animal, including the head, body, tail and surrounding shelter. Report records through the relevant Queensland fauna and project reporting systems.

  • Search carefully around granite boulders, rock faces, tree trunks and shaded crevices.
  • Use a qualified fauna spotter catcher or herpetologist for confirmation.
  • Avoid turning or removing boulders during searches unless this is specifically authorised and controlled.

Distribution: Australian range

The Cape Melville leaf-tailed gecko is endemic to Queensland and has a very small known range. It is known from the Melville Range uplands on Cape Melville, with records associated with Cape Melville National Park.

The known range is in Far North Queensland, in the Melville Range on Cape Melville. Surveys have focused on the highest elevation areas in the central Melville Range.

The northern uplands had not been surveyed at the time of the reported survey work. The full range is therefore not confirmed.

  • State: Queensland.
  • Region: Cape Melville, within the Melville Range uplands.
  • Known setting: high elevation rocky country, including areas within Cape Melville National Park.

Distribution: Records and survey interpretation

Only a small number of WildNet records are reported, with three records and three specimens, and the last reported sighting dated 20 March 2013. These records should not be treated as a population estimate.

A species record may represent a location with limited precision, and an absence of records does not demonstrate absence from a work area. Check current Queensland biodiversity records and obtain project-specific advice before works begin.

Known population context: The species is described as highly localised and occurring in very small numbers.

Survey gap: Northern uplands of the Melville Range had not been surveyed in the reported work.

Distribution: Site planning

For a proposed project, map the entire rocky upland footprint, including access tracks, temporary work areas, laydown areas and proposed infrastructure. Give particular attention to areas with granite boulders and shaded rock habitat.

If a project is near Cape Melville or could affect connected upland habitat, arrange early consultation with the Queensland environment department and a suitably experienced herpetologist.

Habitat: Landforms and substrates

The species is associated with upland rocky habitat in the Melville Range. On a work site, focus searches on intact boulder fields and nearby forest where rocks, trees and deep shade provide structure.

Look for granite boulder fields, large exposed rocks, shaded rock faces and narrow gaps between boulders. Dimly lit rocky areas are particularly relevant.

Retain natural rock structure wherever possible. Do not assume that apparently bare rock is of low habitat value.

  • Upland slopes and ridges with extensive granite boulders.
  • Rock piles, crevices and shaded gaps beneath or between large stones.
  • Transitions between boulder fields and forest.

Habitat: Vegetation and structure

The species has been recorded from upland settings that include forest, rocks and trees. Retain native forest around boulder fields, including tree trunks and low vegetation that maintain shade and humidity.

Avoid unnecessary trimming, burning, soil disturbance and removal of fallen material around rocky habitat.

  • Native forest adjoining rocky outcrops.
  • Trees growing among or beside boulders.
  • Shaded gullies and rock margins.

Habitat: Pre-clearance focus

Before clearing, walk the proposed disturbance area in daylight and identify boulder fields, rock piles, trees beside rocks and shaded crevices. Mark these features on site plans and keep them outside the disturbance footprint where feasible.

Because the gecko is nocturnal and well camouflaged, a daytime visual inspection alone is not a reliable clearance method. Use a targeted survey designed by a qualified ecologist.

Foraging habitat: Foraging features

The Cape Melville leaf-tailed gecko shelters by day and emerges at night to hunt. It hunts on rocks and trees, so both the boulder field and its surrounding forest structure should be considered foraging habitat.

Relevant features include granite boulders, shaded rock surfaces, tree trunks and forest edges adjoining rocky areas. Keep these features connected rather than isolating individual rocks or trees.

Night lighting can alter insect activity and expose nocturnal fauna. Keep lighting to the minimum needed for safety, direct it away from rocky habitat and use shielding where practicable.

  • Rock surfaces and crevices used at night.
  • Tree trunks and branches near boulder fields.
  • Forest margins and shaded pathways between rocks and trees.

Foraging habitat: Diet and activity

The species is a nocturnal predator. The available field information does not identify its prey, so avoid applying a narrow prey-based habitat assessment.

Plan any targeted night survey with an experienced herpetologist. Limit spotlighting, noise and movement through sensitive boulder habitat, and follow approved animal welfare procedures.

Activity period: Nocturnal.

Foraging surfaces: Rocks and trees.

Foraging habitat: Worksite controls

Prevent construction materials, spoil, sediment and waste from entering crevices or accumulating against boulders. Control dust, runoff and weeds around retained habitat.

Keep vehicles and machinery on defined routes. Do not drive over boulder fields or use them for access, storage or turning areas.

Breeding habitat: Potential breeding areas

Breeding details for this species are poorly known. Until site-specific information is available, manage suitable rocky upland habitat as potential breeding habitat throughout the year.

Treat deep boulder crevices, sheltered gaps and undisturbed rock margins as potential breeding and refuge areas. Do not fill, seal, blast, excavate or dismantle these features without specialist advice and the required approvals.

Retain surrounding forest and ground cover because disturbance to the wider habitat may affect breeding animals even where no eggs or juveniles are seen.

  • Undisturbed gaps between large granite boulders.
  • Shaded rock cavities and crevices.
  • Rock and forest interfaces with limited human access.

Breeding habitat: Breeding information

Breeding timing, nesting locations, clutch size and development periods are not established in the available field information. There is no reliable seasonal window that can be used to assume breeding animals are absent.

For a Critically Endangered species, avoid scheduling disturbance on the assumption that relocation will solve impacts. Redesign or avoid the habitat first, then obtain specialist advice if an animal or possible breeding site is found.

Breeding habitat: Clearing and construction response

Stop work in the immediate area if a gecko, eggs or a suspected breeding site is found. Keep people and equipment clear, prevent further disturbance and contact the fauna spotter catcher and project ecologist.

Any proposed interaction with a breeding place must be assessed against Queensland legal requirements and the project approvals. Do not move rocks or animals unless authorised and directed by a suitably qualified person.

Sheltering habitat: Day shelter

During the day, the Cape Melville leaf-tailed gecko hides among rocky boulders. Shaded granite features are therefore high priority during site inspections, even when no animal is visible.

Look for animals resting against boulders, in shaded gaps, beneath rock overhangs and around rocks adjoining trees. Their camouflage may make them difficult to see at close range.

Retain large boulders in place. Avoid vibration, rock breaking, blasting, grading and changes to drainage around shelter habitat.

  • Dimly lit boulder fields.
  • Granite crevices and overhangs.
  • Shaded rocks beside or beneath forest trees.

Sheltering habitat: Handling and exclusion

Do not place hands into crevices or use tools to dislodge an animal. A fauna spotter catcher should assess the situation and use the least disruptive method available.

Exclusion fencing must not block access to retained shelter habitat or trap animals within the work area. Design, install and inspect any fencing under specialist ecological supervision.

Sheltering habitat: Habitat retention

Retain connected boulder and forest habitat around work areas. Protect natural shade, drainage and surface cover, and keep stockpiles, spoil and machinery away from retained rocks.

If a boulder must be moved, stop work and obtain project-specific advice. Relocation is not a routine control for this species and may cause injury or loss of shelter.

Threats: Clearing and construction

The Cape Melville leaf-tailed gecko has a very small known range and very small population. Climate change and invasive species are recognised concerns, while poorly planned access and construction can directly damage its rocky upland habitat.

Direct removal of boulders, rock faces, trees or adjoining forest can remove shelter and foraging habitat. Excavation, blasting, grading and vibration may also damage animals using crevices.

Avoid the habitat wherever possible. Clearly mark no-go areas before mobilisation, and include temporary works and access routes in the assessment.

  • Do not clear or crush boulder fields for access or storage.
  • Keep spoil, fill and construction materials away from rock crevices.
  • Prevent sediment and runoff from entering retained rocky habitat.
  • Use a fauna spotter catcher during authorised works in or beside suitable habitat.

Threats: Fire, weeds and invasive species

Invasive species can alter upland habitat and may increase competition, predation or disturbance. Weed hygiene and control should be planned for machinery, vehicles, soil and materials entering the site.

Avoid unplanned fire and activities that remove forest cover or change the condition of rocky habitat. Use a site-specific fire and weed management plan where relevant.

  • Clean vehicles and machinery before entering sensitive habitat.
  • Keep imported soil and fill free of weeds and contaminants.
  • Report unusual predators, invasive species or habitat damage through project channels.

Threats: Climate change and extreme conditions

Climate change is a recognised threat for this highly localised species. A small range may limit its ability to respond to changes in temperature, moisture and fire conditions.

Retaining shaded boulder fields, forest cover and natural drainage can help maintain local habitat conditions. Avoid creating additional heat, exposure or drying around retained habitat.

  • Retain canopy and natural shade near boulder fields.
  • Protect drainage lines and soil stability.
  • Avoid unnecessary clearing around high elevation rocky habitat.

Threats: Detection and compliance

The species is Critically Endangered under Queensland and Commonwealth legislation. A suspected record, injury, death or disturbance to a possible breeding place should be reported immediately through the project environmental incident process.

Use current approvals and threatened species advice to set site controls. Keep records of searches, weather, personnel, locations, photographs, findings and any corrective actions.

Queensland status: Critically Endangered under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

Commonwealth status: Critically Endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

The Cape Melville leaf-tailed gecko is highly localised and poorly known. Treat suitable upland boulder fields, rocks and adjacent trees as potential habitat, and use experienced herpetologists for survey design and identification.

Map the Melville Range uplands, granite boulder fields, rocky outcrops, forest adjoining boulders and known records before planning works.

Check WildNet, protected area records, recent survey reports, aerial imagery and local knowledge. Treat an absence of records as inconclusive because the species has a very restricted range and survey coverage is incomplete.

Confirm whether the site is within or near Cape Melville National Park or another protected area. Engage Queensland environmental authorities early where works may affect habitat.

Survey methodology: 2. Nocturnal searches

Use experienced reptile ecologists to conduct nocturnal spotlight searches on boulders, rock faces, trees and shaded forest edges. Search for geckos on exposed surfaces and around crevices where they may emerge to hunt.

Survey during suitable warm, humid conditions, preferably after rain when reptiles are active. Avoid heavy rain, strong winds, very cold conditions and unsafe access conditions.

Repeat searches across suitable habitat where the development footprint is large, access is difficult or the species is a potential concern. Do not rely on a single negative survey result.

  • Move quietly and minimise disturbance to boulders and vegetation.
  • Use red-filtered or low-glare lights where practicable. Do not shine lights directly at an animal for prolonged periods.
  • Have a qualified person confirm any suspected record because WildNet identifies this species as requiring expert confirmation.

Survey methodology: 3. Daytime habitat inspection

Inspect boulder fields, rock crevices, fallen timber and nearby trees for sheltering animals, shed skins and other signs. Keep inspections non-destructive and do not turn or dismantle boulders unless an approved method specifically allows it.

Use a spotter catcher or other authorised wildlife professional for any search that involves handling, lifting materials or entering a likely shelter.

Do not assume that a boulder field is unoccupied because no gecko is visible during the day.

Survey methodology: 4. Survey records and reporting

Record the date, start and finish times, weather, recent rainfall, temperature where measured, observers, search method, area searched, access limitations and habitat condition.

Record the location of every animal, the substrate used, behaviour, photographs, identification confidence and whether the animal was handled or moved.

Map the proposed disturbance area, all records, likely habitat and any breeding place or shelter found. Submit records through the relevant Queensland reporting pathway and retain the original field data.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Confirm approvals and permits

Avoidance is the preferred measure for this Critically Endangered species. Plan works around the small known range, retain boulder habitat and obtain advice and approvals before any clearing, rock removal or disturbance begins.

Assess the action under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Seek an EPBC referral or other formal advice where the action may have a significant impact on this Critically Endangered species or its habitat.

Check Queensland requirements under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 before handling, taking, moving or interfering with the animal or its habitat. Obtain any required Queensland wildlife permits and ensure the spotter catcher is authorised for the proposed work.

If works may tamper with a breeding place, stop and obtain advice about a Queensland species management program before proceeding. Do not treat a general clearing approval as permission to disturb a breeding place.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoid and protect habitat

Redesign the footprint to avoid Melville Range upland boulder fields, rocky outcrops, adjoining forest and habitat corridors wherever practicable.

Retain natural boulders, rock faces, crevices, trees and ground cover. Do not use boulders for access tracks, laydown areas, erosion control or landscaping unless an ecologist has confirmed they are not habitat and the relevant approval allows removal.

Set site-specific no-go areas around occupied habitat, shelters and breeding places. The species has no published standard buffer, so have the ecologist and approving authority set the buffer using the animal's location, habitat, machinery reach, vibration, lighting and access requirements.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Complete pre-clearance checks

Carry out a final pre-clearance inspection shortly before work starts, including boulder fields, rock crevices, trees and shaded edges within the approved work area.

Mark exclusion zones clearly with durable flagging, fencing or barricades. Keep plant, vehicles, spoil, fire and workers outside these areas.

Inspect materials before they are moved. Do not move boulders, timber or vegetation that could shelter a gecko without an authorised wildlife professional present.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Plan timing and brief the crew

The breeding season and seasonal movements of this species are not established. Schedule works outside periods identified by the project ecologist or Queensland environmental authority as likely to involve breeding or high activity.

Avoid night works near retained habitat. Shield lights away from boulders, forest edges and known records, and prevent light spill into exclusion zones.

Induct all workers, plant operators and subcontractors. Show them the species, habitat markers, stop-work process, handling restrictions and reporting contacts.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Clear in stages

Use a staged, supervised approach to clearing. The fauna spotter catcher has authority to stop work whenever an animal, shelter or possible breeding place is found.

Fence and check the approved work area before each stage. Clear from the least disturbed edge towards retained habitat so animals have an opportunity to move into protected areas, but do not chase or force a gecko into unsuitable habitat.

Remove ground cover and small vegetation progressively under direct supervision. Leave boulders, rock piles and potential refuges untouched until an authorised person has inspected them.

Keep machinery out of exclusion zones and stop work if fencing is damaged, habitat is disturbed or visibility is inadequate.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Apply stop-work authority

Stop work immediately if a Cape Melville leaf-tailed gecko, suspected shelter, active breeding place, colony or roost is found.

Secure the area, keep people and plant clear, and prevent handling by unauthorised workers. Have the ecologist identify the animal and assess whether the activity can be redesigned or resumed under approval.

Notify the project manager and relevant Queensland authority where required. Do not destroy, fill, seal, relocate or cover a breeding place without written approval and the required management program.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Handle and relocate safely

Allow the animal to move away naturally where this can occur without exposing it to plant, vehicles or people.

Only an authorised wildlife handler may capture, examine or relocate the animal. Use the approved method and place it in suitable nearby habitat identified by the ecologist. Do not move it to an unapproved site or across unsuitable terrain.

Keep handling brief. Prevent overheating, crushing, escape and contact with chemicals, dust or contaminated equipment.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Respond to injured animals

Place an injured animal in a secure, ventilated container suitable for a small reptile, kept shaded and quiet. Do not feed it or give it water unless directed by a wildlife veterinarian or authorised rehabilitator.

Contact the project wildlife veterinarian, licensed wildlife rehabilitator or Queensland wildlife authority immediately. Record the animal's condition, location, photographs, treatment and final outcome.

Stop the activity that caused or may worsen the injury until the ecologist has reviewed the controls.

During habitat disturbance: 5. Keep live records

Record every sighting, handling event, relocation, injury, breeding place, habitat disturbance and stop-work event on the day it occurs.

Include the date, time, precise location, work stage, weather, personnel, photographs, action taken, approvals relied on and outcome.

Update the site map and incident register before work resumes. Escalate any suspected unauthorised impact to the project manager and relevant regulator.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Complete post-clearance checks

Completion of clearing does not end the risk. Check the site for missed animals and damaged habitat, then review whether controls worked before later construction stages proceed.

Inspect the cleared area, retained habitat edges, boulder piles, access routes and exclusion fencing after each clearing stage.

Search for live or injured geckos, trapped animals, damaged shelters and accidental movement of boulders or timber. Use an authorised handler for any animal that needs capture or release.

Repair fencing, remove hazards and make safe any exposed excavations, pipes or pits that could trap reptiles.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Monitor retained habitat

Inspect retained boulder fields and forest edges during construction for vibration, dust, lighting, sediment, weeds, fire and unauthorised access.

Continue targeted nocturnal checks where the project ecologist considers the residual risk high, particularly after major ground disturbance or changes to lighting and drainage.

Do not enter or modify retained habitat simply to improve detectability. Use non-destructive methods and maintain the approved exclusion areas.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Report outcomes

Provide the regulator, landholder and project manager with survey results, records of animals handled or relocated, breeding place findings, incidents, photographs and maps.

Report any death, injury, unauthorised habitat disturbance or failure of an approved control through the required incident pathway.

Update the species risk assessment if new records expand the known site range or identify previously unrecognised habitat.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Review and adapt

Hold a post-clearance review with the ecologist, spotter catcher, supervisors and plant operators.

Identify whether survey timing, exclusion zones, lighting controls, staging and crew behaviour were effective. Change the method statement before the next work stage if they were not.

Keep lessons and verified records for future work in the Melville Range and for cumulative impact assessment.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore natural habitat first

Rehabilitation should restore the rocky upland habitat used for shelter and night-time foraging. Natural boulders, crevices, trees and ground cover are more appropriate than generic fauna structures for this species.

Return salvaged boulders, rocks, woody debris and native ground cover to locations approved by the ecologist. Recreate stable crevices and shaded refuges without trapping animals or creating unsafe piles.

Reinstate native vegetation around rocky areas and connect retained habitat to nearby forest. Use local provenance species where practicable and protect plantings from vehicles, fire and grazing.

Prevent soil compaction and erosion around restored boulder fields. Keep heavy machinery out until the rehabilitation area is stable.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Use artificial structures cautiously

Do not install nest boxes, bat boxes or generic artificial nest sites for this gecko unless research or the project ecologist shows that they suit the species.

If natural shelter cannot be retained, develop any artificial rocky refuge or roost structure as a documented trial with Queensland authority approval and specialist input. Match local rock, shade, crevice and thermal conditions, and ensure the structure cannot collapse.

Monitor any trial structure for use, overheating, flooding, predators, weeds and maintenance problems. Remove or modify it if it creates a hazard.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Control weeds, fire and water impacts

Remove invasive plants before they alter the structure or shade of rocky habitat, using methods that avoid chemical contact with animals and their refuges.

Maintain natural drainage and prevent sediment, pollutants and concentrated runoff from entering boulder fields or forest edges.

Manage fire risk with the land manager and authority. Avoid fuel reduction, storage and burn activities that damage retained rocky habitat or surrounding vegetation.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Manage lighting and access

Use downward-facing, shielded lights with the lowest practical intensity near retained habitat. Turn off unnecessary lights when work is complete.

Restrict vehicles, pedestrians, pets and recreational access from restored boulder fields. Maintain signs and barriers during establishment.

Keep construction materials, spoil and waste away from restored habitat and inspect the area after storms and maintenance activities.

Rehabilitation actions: 5. Monitor long term

Set monitoring objectives with the ecologist and regulator before rehabilitation begins. Check habitat condition, boulder stability, vegetation recovery, weed cover, erosion and any gecko records.

Use repeat nocturnal searches under suitable conditions where monitoring is required. Record effort and conditions so future results can be compared.

Review monitoring results and adjust weed control, drainage, lighting, access and artificial refuge trials. Continue monitoring for as long as required by the approval or management program.

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