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Eastern Fat-tailed Gecko (Diplodactylus platyurus)

The Eastern Fat-tailed Gecko is a small, nocturnal, ground-dwelling gecko of inland eastern Australia. In New South Wales it is listed as endangered, and clearing can remove its suitable habitat or disturb individuals sheltering in underground holes and ground cracks.

Conservation status

New South Wales, Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016: Endangered.

Breeding season

Eastern Fat-tailed Geckos are egg laying. Species-specific timing is poorly documented, but genus-level information places breeding broadly from September to February, with eggs laid after mating and hatching about two months later. Clearing can damage occupied ground refuges in any month.

Reproductive mode: Oviparous.

Clutch size: Average 2 eggs.

Incubation: Not recorded for this species. Genus-level guidance reports about 2 months, or 60 days.

Size at hatching: Not recorded for this species. Genus-level guidance states that hatchlings are about one-fourth of adult size.

Age at maturity: Not recorded for this species. Genus-level guidance suggests females may become reproductive at about 1 year, but recommends waiting until adult size and weight.

Nest or egg sites: Not recorded in the wild. Captive genus-level guidance uses a nesting box containing moist vermiculite.

Breeding frequency: Not recorded for this species. Genus-level guidance reports 3 to 4 clutches per year for proven breeders.

Confirm timing locally before clearing through current survey requirements and pre-clearing searches, because temperature, dry conditions and other local conditions can change surface activity, while cooling and seasonal conditions can influence breeding in related Diplodactylus geckos.

  • Mating: Related genus-level guidance places natural breeding from September to February in Australia. No peak month is identified, and this timing is not confirmed for Eastern Fat-tailed Geckos.
  • Gravid females: Based on related Diplodactylus guidance, females become noticeably larger and ready to lay within 1 to 2 months after mating. The mapped period is October to April, following the reported September to February breeding period, but it is not species-specific.
  • Egg laying: Egg laying is not seasonally recorded for this species. Using related Diplodactylus guidance, eggs may be deposited from October to April, about 1 to 2 months after mating.
  • Incubation: Incubation is not recorded for this species. Related Diplodactylus guidance reports about 2 months, or 60 days, so eggs laid from October to April may remain in nests or soil from October to June.
  • Hatchlings: Hatching is not recorded for this species. Applying the related genus-level incubation period to the mapped laying period gives a possible emergence period from November to June.
  • Active period: Adults are documented as nocturnal, but no seasonal activity period is recorded. Treat surface activity as possible year round, with activity likely to vary with local temperature and dry conditions.
  • Highest clearing risk: Treat clearing risk as year round because occupied underground holes, abandoned trap-door spider burrows and ground cracks may be damaged in any month. Breeding-related risk may increase from September to June under the related genus-level timing, but no species-specific peak is established.

Identification

The Eastern Fat-tailed Gecko is a small, stout gecko with a short, broad tail. It is mainly detected at night when active on or near the ground, or when spotlighting reveals eyeshine.

The snout to vent length is 40.55 to 60.21 mm. The body is tan to mid-brown, with spotting that is often most obvious on the flanks. The back may show fine dark reticulations, a more solid dark pattern, or irregular pale blotches along the vertebral zone.

The tail is short, broad, spade-shaped and bluntly pointed. Original tail scales form clear transverse bands, while a regenerated tail has a rounded distal end and more uniform scales without clear transverse rows. The underside is off-white.

Snout to vent length: 40.55 to 60.21 mm

Tail length: 44.34 to 78.82% of snout to vent length

Greatest recorded length: 60.2 mm

Identification: Distinguishing features

Within the Diplodactylus conspicillatus group, the first supralabial is small and is not differentiated from the rest of the supralabial row. The canthal stripe is absent or very weak and lacks sharply defined edges.

The head is moderately sized and not strongly separated from the neck. The snout is longer than the diameter of the eye. These features should be checked when separating this species from other fat-tailed geckos in the group.

Identification: Field detection and signs

Spotlighting is the main field method described for this species. Search suitable ground habitat at night, particularly around potential shelter sites. Do not rely on activity during very dry or cool conditions, when activity is likely to be low.

Individuals shelter in underground holes, including abandoned trap-door spider burrows, where the fat tail can block the entrance. Cracks in the ground are also used. Species-specific information on tracks, scats, calls, nests or sloughs is not available.

  • Record the exact location of each individual and any occupied or potentially occupied hole or ground crack.
  • Treat a short, broad, bluntly pointed tail as an identification feature, and check whether the tail appears original or regenerated.
  • Use experienced reptile surveyors for targeted surveys and follow the required licences, ethics approvals and disease-management procedures.

Distribution: National range

The species occurs in inland eastern Australia. It has been recorded in New South Wales, Queensland and north-eastern South Australia, but a complete set of formal bioregion names and a population estimate are not available.

In Queensland, the species occurs across much of eastern and central Queensland, from Normanton and around Cairns in the north to around Rockhampton in the east, and west through much of the channel country of the Great Dividing Range.

In New South Wales, it is known from Sturt National Park, Nocoleche Nature Reserve, the Wanaaring region, Paroo-Darling National Park and Mutawintji National Park. Its range extends into north-western New South Wales and north-eastern South Australia.

States and territories with records: Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia

Known NSW locations: Sturt National Park, Nocoleche Nature Reserve, Wanaaring region, Paroo-Darling National Park and Mutawintji National Park

Documented range size: 543,154 km²

Distribution: Strongholds and population status

Known areas of occurrence include the listed NSW national parks, Nocoleche Nature Reserve and the Wanaaring region. Population sizes, density estimates, confirmed subpopulation boundaries and population trends are unknown.

The species is listed as endangered in New South Wales. A separate global dataset reports Least Concern, so the applicable state status should be used for NSW project assessment.

Population size: Not reported.

Population trend: Not reported.

NSW listing: Endangered

Global assessment reported by: Least Concern, assessed in 2017

Distribution: Bioregions

The formal Australian bioregions occupied by the species have not been identified. Project assessments should check the current state biodiversity database and mapped species occurrences for the relevant bioregion.

Habitat: Habitat types

The Eastern Fat-tailed Gecko is terrestrial and is associated with forest and savanna habitats, including inland arid-zone areas where suitable ground refuges remain available.

The species is recorded as terrestrial and associated with forest and savanna. Its broader biome is described as tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas and shrublands.

In arid areas, safe habitat patches that retain food, shelter and nesting resources may support small reptiles during dry periods. The NSW Saving our Species research programme specifically includes the Eastern Fat-tailed Gecko in work on arid-zone 'greenspots'.

Habitat categories: Forest and savanna

Biome: Tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas and shrublands

Habitat use: Terrestrial

Habitat: Vegetation and structure

For NSW Biodiversity Assessment Method work, suitable habitat is all plant community types associated with the species in the Threatened Biodiversity Data Collection. Those plant community types and any preferred vegetation association have not been identified.

Retain areas with intact soil, ground cracks, underground holes and other potential shelter sites. Avoid treating apparently open or sparsely vegetated ground as unsuitable without checking the relevant mapped plant community types and refuge features.

  • Map the full extent of suitable habitat on the subject land when the species is present or likely to use the site.
  • Inspect areas proposed for clearing for underground holes, ground cracks and other shelter features before disturbance.
  • Use current TBDC and project-specific habitat mapping to define suitable habitat.

Habitat: Climate and elevation

Elevation limits, a maximum or minimum temperature range and a formal climate envelope have not been established. Survey guidance states that activity can be low in very dry or cool conditions.

Foraging habitat: Diet and feeding

The species is a nocturnal carnivore that feeds on invertebrates in terrestrial habitat. Particular prey taxa, food plants and foraging distance have not been identified.

The documented diet is carnivorous invertebrates. No further prey breakdown is provided, so project staff should not assume that the species depends on a particular plant or invertebrate group.

The species is nocturnal. Spotlighting should focus on suitable habitat during periods when animals are active, rather than very dry or cool conditions.

Diet: Carnivorous invertebrates

Foraging period: Night

Foraging range: Not reported.

  • Retain connected areas of suitable ground habitat around known shelter sites so animals can move between refuges and feeding areas.
  • Avoid spraying, soil disturbance or removal of ground structure in suitable habitat without assessing potential effects on invertebrate prey and gecko refuges.

Foraging habitat: Foraging habitat features

No species-specific foraging structure is described. The best-supported field approach is to assess the terrestrial habitat types mapped for the species and retain ground features used for shelter, because these areas may also be used during nocturnal movements and feeding.

Breeding habitat: Breeding biology

The Eastern Fat-tailed Gecko lays eggs, but breeding timing, incubation, maturity and lifespan are not well documented. Breeding assessments should therefore focus on retaining suitable terrestrial habitat and undisturbed ground refuges.

The species is oviparous, with a documented average clutch of 2 eggs. The breeding season, incubation period, age at maturity, number of clutches per year and lifespan are not well documented.

Breeding season: Not reported.

Reproduction: Oviparous

Clutch size: Average 2 eggs

Incubation: Not reported.

Age at maturity: Not reported.

Lifespan: Not reported.

Breeding habitat: Breeding habitat features

No nest site or egg-laying microhabitat is described. Because the species shelters in underground holes and ground cracks, avoid disturbing these features in suitable habitat during clearing and construction until a qualified surveyor has assessed them.

Maintain the full extent of mapped suitable habitat where the species is detected or considered likely to use the subject land, as required by the NSW survey guidance.

  • Inspect ground holes and cracks before earthworks in suitable habitat.
  • Do not fill, collapse or cover potential refuge holes unless the action has been assessed and authorised under the relevant approval.
  • Use seasonal targeted survey requirements where a NSW Biodiversity Assessment Method assessment applies.

Sheltering habitat: Known refuges

The Eastern Fat-tailed Gecko uses concealed ground refuges rather than trees or above-ground hollows. Shelter sites can be hidden in otherwise open inland habitat and may be damaged by grading, trenching, vehicle movement or stockpiling.

The species is known to shelter in underground holes, including abandoned trap-door spider burrows. It may block the entrance with its fat tail, which helps keep predators out and moisture in.

Cracks in the ground are also used. Refuge dimensions, depth, occupancy duration and preferred soil type are not well documented.

Documented refuge types: Underground holes, abandoned trap-door spider burrows and ground cracks

Refuge dimensions: Not reported.

Sheltering habitat: Site controls

Potential refuges should be treated as habitat features during pre-clearing inspections. Surveyors should search suitable habitat at night and inspect likely shelter areas without collapsing or filling them.

The NSW survey guide describes artificial cover boards for surveys of some threatened reptiles, but the Eastern Fat-tailed Gecko species-specific section does not prescribe artificial cover boards for this species.

  • Fence or mark known shelter holes and ground cracks before machinery enters the area.
  • Keep spoil, equipment and access tracks away from mapped shelter features.
  • Use a trained fauna spotter catcher during clearing where required by the project approval, and stop work if an individual is found.
  • Do not assume that an empty hole is unused.

Threats: Clearing and construction

For this NSW-listed species, the main project risk is loss or disturbance of terrestrial habitat and the underground refuges within it. No species-specific threat ranking has been published, so controls should be based on the documented habitat and shelter requirements.

Clearing, grading, trenching, road construction and soil compaction can remove or collapse underground holes and ground cracks used for shelter.

Fragmentation can reduce the amount and continuity of suitable habitat. The NSW survey guide requires the full extent of suitable habitat on a subject land to be mapped as the species polygon when the species is present.

  • Complete habitat assessment and targeted survey before clearing in mapped suitable habitat.
  • Retain suitable habitat and avoid unnecessary disturbance around shelter features.
  • Use staged clearing and fauna spotter catcher procedures where required by project approvals.
  • Keep machinery, spoil and temporary works out of retained habitat and refuge areas.

Threats: Fire, drought and predators

The species occurs in arid and semi-arid parts of inland eastern Australia. NSW conservation research identifies safe habitat patches, or 'greenspots', as areas that can provide food and shelter for small reptiles during dry periods.

The effects of fire, drought or introduced predators on this species have not been quantified. These factors should nevertheless be considered where they alter ground cover, prey availability or the security of shelter sites.

  • Protect retained refuge areas from avoidable soil disturbance and loss of ground cover during dry periods.
  • Assess fire history and planned burning where fire could remove shelter or alter suitable habitat.
  • Control introduced predators only where this is supported by the approved conservation or project management programme.

Threats: Roads, disease and hydrology

Species-specific evidence for road mortality, disease and hydrology change has not been documented. Roads and access tracks can still increase direct disturbance and vehicle risk in occupied terrestrial habitat, while altered runoff may affect ground refuges and soil cracks.

The NSW survey guide requires surveyors to understand disease-management protocols because disease can affect reptile populations.

  • Avoid placing new access tracks through known occupied habitat where practicable.
  • Use site hygiene and disease-management procedures when handling reptiles, traps, artificial cover or soil between sites.
  • Assess changes to drainage, runoff and soil moisture where they could flood, erode or dry out known refuge areas.

Survey methodology: 1. Spotlighting

Use the NSW threatened reptile survey method where the project is in New South Wales or the method is adopted for another jurisdiction. The Eastern Fat-tailed Gecko is terrestrial and nocturnal, and shelters in underground holes, abandoned trap-door spider burrows and ground cracks.

Undertake spotlight surveys in suitable habitat during October to December.

Search at night for active geckos, with attention to ground shelters and areas of suitable terrestrial habitat.

Do not survey in very dry or cool conditions, when gecko activity is likely to be low.

Survey period: October to December

Effort: 120 person-minutes per survey per 50 hectares of suitable habitat

Replicates: 4

  • For each 50 hectares of suitable habitat, complete 120 person-minutes per survey.
  • Repeat the spotlight survey on 4 occasions.
  • Use the survey method in suitable habitat identified from the relevant vegetation and threatened biodiversity mapping.

Survey methodology: 2. Pitfall trapping

Set pitfall traps with drift fences in suitable habitat for 4 days per survey.

Use this method as an alternative to spotlight surveys under the NSW guide, unless the relevant approval or survey design requires both methods.

Check traps and manage captured fauna in accordance with the surveyor's licences, ethics approvals and disease management procedures.

Survey period: October to December

Effort: 72 trap nights per survey per 50 hectares of suitable habitat

Trap duration: 4 days per survey

Replicates: 4

  • For each 50 hectares of suitable habitat, complete 72 trap nights per survey.
  • Repeat the trapping survey on 4 occasions.
  • Avoid conditions that could reduce activity or create risks to trapped fauna, including very dry or cool conditions.

Survey methodology: 3. Habitat and detection search

Map all suitable habitat on the subject land before selecting survey locations.

Search ground shelters, including abandoned trap-door spider burrows and cracks in the ground.

Record habitat and survey conditions because dry or cool weather can produce low detection rates.

Known shelter features: Underground holes, abandoned trap-door spider burrows and ground cracks

Suitable habitat basis: All plant community types associated with the species in the Threatened Biodiversity Data Collection

  • Map the species polygon to the full extent of suitable habitat on the subject land where the species is detected or is likely to use the habitat.
  • Use an appropriately skilled threatened reptile surveyor who can identify the species and apply the nominated survey methods.
  • Keep people, vehicles and equipment away from active shelter sites during searches.

Survey methodology: Minimum effort and reporting

  • Apply the NSW effort of 4 spotlight surveys at 120 person-minutes each per 50 hectares, or 4 pitfall surveys at 72 trap nights each per 50 hectares, for suitable habitat assessed under the NSW guide.
  • Document the survey area, habitat mapping, dates, start and finish times, weather, temperature, personnel, method, effort, trap checks and all detections.
  • Record non-detections and explain any departure from the nominated method or conditions.
  • Submit confirmed records to the relevant state wildlife database, such as the NSW Atlas where the work is in New South Wales.
  • Retain photographs, coordinates and identification evidence for each detection.

Vegetation associations: Shrubland

Source-checked associations and automatically indexed candidates are separated below. An association does not establish site presence, preference or dependence.

Its broader biome is described as tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas and shrublands.

Automatically indexed from existing profile text. Not a verified preference, mapped occurrence or habitat requirement. Check the original source and regional qualifiers before use.

Evidence: Unreviewed profile-derived candidate

Confidence: Not independently verified

Region: Scope as described in the quoted profile text; not independently verified. Profile states: NSW, QLD.

Habitat use: general

Attribution gap: No sentence-level reference is attached to the original profile block. Review the profile bibliography; this candidate is not source-verified.

Vegetation associations: Tussock grassland

Its broader biome is described as tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas and shrublands.

Automatically indexed from existing profile text. Not a verified preference, mapped occurrence or habitat requirement. Check the original source and regional qualifiers before use.

Evidence: Unreviewed profile-derived candidate

Confidence: Not independently verified

Region: Scope as described in the quoted profile text; not independently verified. Profile states: NSW, QLD.

Habitat use: general

Attribution gap: No sentence-level reference is attached to the original profile block. Review the profile bibliography; this candidate is not source-verified.

Ecosystem associations

Source-checked associations and automatically indexed candidates are separated below. An association does not establish site presence, preference or dependence.

No species-specific ecosystem association has been indexed or source-checked in this evidence library. This is an evidence gap, not evidence of no association.

Soil and substrate associations

Source-checked associations and automatically indexed candidates are separated below. An association does not establish site presence, preference or dependence.

No species-specific soil association has been indexed or source-checked in this evidence library. This is an evidence gap, not evidence of no association.

Water and wetland associations

Source-checked associations and automatically indexed candidates are separated below. An association does not establish site presence, preference or dependence.

No species-specific water association has been indexed or source-checked in this evidence library. This is an evidence gap, not evidence of no association.

Fauna records and mapped habitat: Not yet analysed

Record locations can be overlaid with mapping, but record frequency alone does not measure habitat preference. No species is excluded from desktop assessments by this analysis.

No quality-controlled record-to-map analysis has been completed for this species. The existing generalised distribution dots and indicative range polygons have not been treated as precise occurrence coordinates.

A defensible run needs dated, independently attributable records, coordinate uncertainty, duplicate and captive-record checks, layer versions and regional scope. Preference and absence require additional survey-effort and detection evidence.

Habitat limitations and contrary evidence: No supported exclusion recorded

Not recorded is not the same as cannot occur. Low suitability, resident habitat, breeding habitat and occasional movement are different conclusions.

This library has not established a vegetation, ecosystem or soil-type exclusion for this species. This does not mean all habitat is suitable; the evidence needed to justify an exclusion has not been assembled.

Habitat limitations and contrary evidence: Before using a negative association

  • Confirm the taxon, geographic region, life stage and habitat function covered by the evidence.
  • Check survey methods, season, repeated effort and detectability before interpreting non-detection.
  • Investigate credible contradictory records and microhabitats absent from broad mapping.
  • Do not convert a missing map class, low record count or failed data request into species absence.

Before habitat disturbance: Avoid and minimise

Treat suitable terrestrial habitat as a constraint before clearing or construction. In New South Wales, the species is listed as endangered and is covered by the threatened reptile survey guidance.

Prioritise retention of occupied sites, underground shelter features and connected areas of suitable terrestrial habitat.

Retain ground cracks, abandoned burrows and other shelter features wherever practicable.

Avoid isolating retained habitat from nearby shelter and foraging areas through unnecessary clearing, fencing or access tracks.

In arid areas, identify and retain sheltered resource patches that can support small reptiles during dry periods.

  • Use the smallest practicable disturbance footprint.
  • Keep spoil, machinery, fill and materials out of retained habitat.
  • Mark retained habitat and no-go areas before machinery enters the site.
  • Use the species polygon and suitable habitat mapping to guide the no-go areas.

Before habitat disturbance: Approvals and survey planning

Confirm the current state listing, survey obligations, licences and approvals before work starts.

The species is not listed under the EPBC Act and is Endangered in New South Wales. Obtain project-specific legal advice before deciding that no Commonwealth referral is needed.

In New South Wales, use the threatened reptile Biodiversity Assessment Method survey guide for assessment work and ensure any alternative method is evidence-based and justified.

Commonwealth status: Not listed under the EPBC Act

Status in New South Wales.: Endangered

  • Check whether the project needs a state biodiversity approval, clearing approval, scientific licence, animal ethics approval or fauna handling authority.
  • Engage an appropriately skilled threatened reptile surveyor and an authorised fauna spotter catcher before clearing.
  • Prepare a fauna management plan covering survey results, exclusion areas, handling, relocation, injury response, stop-work triggers and reporting.

Before habitat disturbance: Timing and site preparation

Schedule targeted survey and, where practicable, disturbance planning for the October to December survey period.

Avoid relying on surveys conducted in very dry or cool conditions because activity and detection may be low.

Complete a pre-clearance inspection of all areas to be disturbed, including ground shelters, cracks, burrows, logs, rocks and refuge patches.

  • Mark all confirmed records and occupied or potentially occupied shelter features on construction plans.
  • Install exclusion fencing only where it can be used without trapping geckos inside the work area or cutting off retained shelter.
  • Brief machinery operators, supervisors and spotter catchers on the species identification, shelter features and stop-work procedure.
  • Stage clearing so the animal can move towards retained habitat rather than into active machinery areas.

During habitat disturbance: Daily controls

Use active fauna supervision during clearing in mapped or suspected habitat. The spotter catcher must be able to stop the operation before machinery removes a shelter or harms an animal.

Inspect exclusion fencing, access routes and no-go markers before work begins each day.

Search the active work area and the edge of retained habitat for geckos and shelter features before machinery starts.

Maintain a clear communication link between the fauna spotter catcher, machine operator and site supervisor.

  • Keep machinery within the approved disturbance footprint.
  • Do not place spoil, fill, fuel, waste or equipment over ground cracks, burrows or retained habitat.
  • Stop work if visibility, weather, dust, noise or machinery movement prevents the spotter catcher from safely inspecting the work area.
  • Keep a daily fauna log, including inspections, detections, captures, relocations, injuries, incidents and areas cleared.

During habitat disturbance: Working with machinery

The spotter catcher should walk the next work area ahead of machinery and inspect ground shelters before disturbance.

The operator must stop immediately when directed by the spotter catcher or supervisor.

Clear progressively in small sections so each section can be inspected before earthworks or vegetation removal continues.

  • Do not drive over identified burrows, cracks, logs or rocks until the fauna spotter catcher has checked them and authorised the work area.
  • Use hand tools or a controlled search around shelter features where machinery cannot provide a safe inspection.
  • Keep retained habitat and relocation areas free from machinery traffic and construction materials.

During habitat disturbance: Animal handling and stop-work response

If an Eastern Fat-tailed Gecko is found, stop work in the immediate area and keep people and machinery back.

Only an appropriately licensed and authorised person should capture, handle or relocate the gecko.

Relocate a healthy animal only to nearby retained suitable habitat identified in the fauna management plan, and record the location and time.

Keep handling to the minimum needed for safety, identification and relocation.

Take an injured animal to a veterinarian or authorised wildlife carer as soon as practicable, using the approved fauna care procedure.

  • Do not handle the animal unnecessarily or retain it on site without authority.
  • Do not resume work until the animal has been safely removed or the fauna spotter catcher and site supervisor have confirmed that the area is clear.
  • Stop work and reassess the method if repeated gecko detections occur, if a shelter site is occupied, or if clearing exposes a previously unmapped refuge area.
  • Record the species, number of animals, coordinates, condition, photographs, action taken, relocation site, handler and outcome.
  • Report any threatened species incident through the approval holder's incident process and to the relevant state agency where required.

During habitat disturbance: Shelter and habitat features

Treat abandoned trap-door spider burrows, ground cracks, logs, rocks and other ground refuges as potential shelter features during clearing.

Retain these features where practicable, or inspect them under fauna supervision before removal.

Do not assume that an empty shelter is unused because the species may be nocturnal and detection can be low in dry or cool conditions.

  • Move salvageable logs and rocks only under the fauna management plan and place them in nearby retained suitable habitat.
  • Do not seal, fill or collapse burrows or cracks until they have been inspected and cleared by the authorised fauna team.
  • Protect relocation areas from machinery, stockpiles, lighting and other construction impacts.

After habitat disturbance: Post-clearance checks

Complete fauna and habitat checks after each clearing stage and maintain the controls that protect retained habitat. Use the results to update the construction environmental management records.

Inspect the cleared footprint, retained habitat edge and relocation areas after each clearing stage.

Search disturbed ground and exposed shelter features for injured, trapped or displaced geckos.

Repair exclusion fencing and replace missing markers before the next work shift.

  • Complete a final fauna sweep before earthworks, trenching or access is released to the next contractor.
  • Check that burrows, ground cracks and retained refuge patches identified for protection have not been filled, compacted or covered.
  • Record the date, area checked, personnel, findings and any corrective action.

After habitat disturbance: Monitoring and reporting

Monitor retained and rehabilitated suitable habitat where required by the approval or fauna management plan.

Use the same survey method and effort where post-work monitoring is specified, so results can be compared with pre-work information.

Report all confirmed records to the relevant state wildlife database and provide records required by the approval authority.

  • Update the species polygon and habitat mapping if clearing, construction or monitoring produces new information.
  • Report injuries, deaths, escapes from exclusion areas, unplanned habitat disturbance and non-compliance through the project incident system.
  • Keep survey data, handling records, photographs, relocation details and approvals with the project environmental records.

After habitat disturbance: Offsets and residual impacts

Assess residual impacts under the approval pathway after avoidance, minimisation and rehabilitation measures have been applied.

Where an approval requires offsets or other conservation measures, implement them for the approved area and duration.

Do not treat an offset as a substitute for retaining occupied shelter and suitable habitat on the project site.

  • Confirm offset, biodiversity credit or conservation agreement requirements with the relevant regulator before construction starts.
  • Track delivery and maintenance of any approved conservation measure.
  • Include the species, habitat area, disturbance footprint and management actions in the final environmental report.

Rehabilitation actions: Restore shelter and ground structure

Rehabilitate disturbed areas as terrestrial refuge and foraging habitat, with emphasis on shelter features used by this nocturnal gecko. Preferred plant species and a species-specific planting list have not been identified.

Reinstate suitable ground cover, cracks and refuge structure without creating hazards for people or machinery.

Place retained logs and rocks in stable clusters in nearby retained or rehabilitated habitat where this is consistent with the fauna management plan.

Leave suitable underground refuge features undisturbed once created or retained, and prevent compaction by vehicles and stockpiles.

  • Do not use fill, concrete or excessive surface grading across retained or constructed refuge areas.
  • Protect rehabilitated shelter patches from vehicle access until they are stable and safe.
  • Use locally appropriate native vegetation and plant communities identified through the relevant state mapping or project rehabilitation plan. No planting species have been specified for this gecko.

Rehabilitation actions: Retain habitat function

Restore terrestrial habitat associated with the plant community types identified as suitable for the species in the Threatened Biodiversity Data Collection.

Maintain a connected route between rehabilitated shelter patches and retained suitable habitat.

In arid areas, retain or create sheltered resource patches that provide food and cover during dry periods.

  • Control weeds that reduce native ground cover or block access to shelter features.
  • Manage introduced predators and other site threats where required by the project approval or conservation plan.
  • Plan fire management with the relevant land manager, taking account of the species' use of ground shelters and the role of fire and dry periods in arid habitat condition.

Rehabilitation actions: Monitoring and success measures

Inspect rehabilitation areas for shelter condition, ground cover, weed invasion, erosion, compaction and connectivity with retained habitat.

Use nocturnal spotlighting or the approved monitoring method when monitoring is required, and avoid very dry or cool conditions that can reduce activity and detection.

Compare monitoring results with the approved success criteria and respond to failed revegetation, loss of shelter or new disturbance.

  • Set monitoring dates, responsible personnel, habitat measures and reporting requirements in the rehabilitation plan.
  • Record any Eastern Fat-tailed Gecko detections with coordinates, photographs, weather, method and effort.
  • Maintain fencing, weed control, predator control and access restrictions until the rehabilitation area meets the approved completion criteria.

Sources