Fauna Spotters logo

Mount Elliot leaf-tailed gecko (Phyllurus amnicola)

The Mount Elliot leaf-tailed gecko is a nocturnal, moderately sized gecko endemic to rocky rainforest on and around Mount Elliot in north-east Queensland. It is known from four localities and is Vulnerable in Queensland. On development sites, the main risks are disturbance or removal of granite boulder habitat, damage to rainforest gullies and flowing water, altered fire regimes, habitat fragmentation and illegal collection.

Conservation status

Queensland, Nature Conservation Act 1992: Vulnerable.

Breeding season

The Mount Elliot leaf-tailed gecko is an egg-laying, nocturnal species with no documented natural breeding months. General information for leaf-tailed geckos indicates breeding can occur throughout the year, with more breeding in spring, so clearing should be assessed as a year-round risk.

Reproductive mode: Oviparous. The species lays eggs.

Clutch size: Usually two eggs. An early record reported 1 to 3 shelled eggs.

Incubation: Not recorded for this species. Leaf-tailed gecko information gives 65 to 90 days as a general incubation period.

Size at hatching or birth: Not recorded.

Age at maturity: Phyllurus species usually reach reproductive size at 2 to 3 years.

Nest or egg sites: Not recorded for this species. General leaf-tailed gecko information describes eggs deposited under a leaf or log.

Breeding frequency: A female may lay one clutch per year.

Confirm timing locally before works, using rainfall and temperature conditions as possible triggers for activity and breeding because species-specific seasonal records are limited.

  • Mating: Species-specific mating months are not recorded. General information for Phyllurus species states that mating can occur at any time in suitable conditions and is more pronounced in spring, September to November.
  • Gravid females: The timing and duration of gravid females are not recorded for this species. Treat females as potentially carrying eggs throughout the year because one clutch may be produced annually and breeding is not limited to documented months.
  • Egg laying: The species may lay one clutch of usually two eggs per year, but natural egg-laying months are not documented. General Phyllurus information indicates egg laying can occur year round and is more pronounced in spring, September to November.
  • Incubation: Incubation timing in the wild is not recorded for this species. General leaf-tailed gecko information gives 65 to 90 days, so eggs may be present in crevices or other refuges during any month where laying occurs.
  • Hatchlings: Hatching months and juvenile emergence are not recorded for this species. Young may therefore be present year round where eggs have been laid, with no documented seasonal peak.
  • Active period: The species is nocturnal and emerges from rock crevices to forage at night. No seasonal activity pattern, brumation or hibernation is documented, so adults should be treated as potentially active throughout the year.
  • Highest clearing risk: Clearing risk is year round because adults shelter in rock crevices and boulder gaps, and the timing of eggs, gravid females and hatchlings is unknown. Spring, September to November, may carry greater breeding risk based on general Phyllurus information, but no species-specific peak is confirmed.

Identification

This gecko is a flattened, cryptic species associated with granite boulders, rock crevices and rainforest gullies. It is most likely to be detected at night when it emerges from crevices to hunt.

The body is strongly depressed and the head is large, triangular and flat. Colour varies from brown to grey or pale grey brown, with paler or darker blotches. The belly is white or off-white.

The tail is broad, flat and strongly flared into a leaf or heart shape. An original tail has 5 to 6 narrow, pale transverse bands. The first band is broken on the midline but extends across the full width of the tail.

The head, body and limbs have curved, spinose tubercles, largest on the flanks, among smaller granular scales.

Average snout to vent length: About 110 mm

Maximum recorded diagnostic size: Greater than 110 mm snout to vent length

Weight: Not reported in the supplied documents

Identification: Telling it from similar geckos

The strongly flared, leaf-like tail separates this species from species with a long, cylindrical tail, including Phyllurus caudiannulatus, P. kabikaki and P. gulbaru.

The partially divided rostral scale has 5 to 6 scales along its dorsal margin, compared with 8 or more in P. isis and P. ossa. Prominent spines on the front third of the tail and the relatively large body help separate it from P. fimbriatus.

Identification: Field detection and signs

Searches should focus on large granite boulders, rock crevices and rainforest gullies near permanent or flowing water. Individuals have been observed with the head pointed down towards the ground, often on boulders immediately above the water line.

The species is nocturnal. Direct searches are therefore most useful after dark, when geckos may emerge from rock crevices to hunt on boulder slopes.

The supplied documents do not report diagnostic tracks, scats, calls, nests, sloughs or eyeshine. A regrown tail is less brightly coloured than the original tail, which can assist with individual description.

  • Record the exact boulder, crevice, gully and water feature where each gecko is observed.
  • Photograph the tail pattern, tail condition, body colour and head profile without handling the animal unless authorised.
  • Do not enter or block rock crevices during searches.

Distribution: Range and bioregion

The species is endemic to Queensland and has a highly restricted range near Townsville. All known localities are within Bowling Green Bay National Park.

The national range is restricted to Queensland. The species occurs near the Townsville region at the far southern end of the Australian Wet Tropics area, on and around Mount Elliot.

The known range is within the Wet Tropics climatic and biogeographic region described in the supplied documents. No records from other Australian states are given.

Australian states: Queensland only

Regional setting: Near Townsville, at the far southern end of the Australian Wet Tropics area

Elevation: Mostly 400 to 1000 m above sea level

Distribution: Known strongholds and subpopulations

Three known subpopulations occur on Mount Elliot: Alligator Creek, Western Boulders and Cockatoo Creek. A fourth occurs on the immediately adjacent Saddle Mountain.

The Mount Elliot localities lie within an area of suitable habitat extending up to 12 km in a straight line. A gap of less than 2 km in unsuitable habitat separates Mount Elliot from Saddle Mountain and limits dispersal and gene flow.

Known localities: Four

Mount Elliot localities: Alligator Creek, Western Boulders and Cockatoo Creek

Separate locality: Saddle Mountain

Gap between mountain populations: Less than 2 km of unsuitable habitat

Distribution: Population size and trend

The total population size is unknown. The species was previously presumed to occur at high density in suitable rocky rainforest, but this has not been confirmed by population monitoring.

At Alligator Creek, previous surveys recorded 20 to 30 individuals along an accessible stretch of habitat. A targeted survey in 2013 recorded only one individual there after an illegal collection event. Recovery at that locality is expected to be slow.

Population structure is influenced by limited dispersal across unsuitable habitat. Saddle Mountain adults are approximately 25 percent smaller than adults from Mount Elliot, and genetic divergence between the two areas is approximately 2.9 percent.

Estimated total population: Unknown

Previous Alligator Creek count: 20 to 30 individuals along an accessible stretch

2013 Alligator Creek count: One individual during a targeted search

Known subpopulations: Four

Documented trend: Declining, with slow or uncertain recovery after illegal collection

Habitat: Overall habitat

Mount Elliot leaf-tailed geckos occupy rocky rainforest habitat rather than open forest or cleared ground. Habitat is concentrated around boulder slopes, rainforest gullies and permanent or flowing water.

The species is narrowly restricted to rocky rainforest at the four known localities. It is mostly found between 400 and 1000 m above sea level.

Suitable habitat includes large granite boulder slopes, rainforest gullies and rock crevices. Individuals are commonly recorded on boulders next to permanent water or immediately above flowing water.

Primary habitat: Rocky rainforest

Key landforms: Large granite boulder slopes, rock crevices and rainforest gullies

Elevation range: Mostly 400 to 1000 m above sea level

Water association: Permanent or flowing water, often immediately beside occupied boulders

Habitat: Features to retain during works

Retain connected boulder fields, deep rock crevices, rainforest cover and gullies with natural water flow. The three Mount Elliot subpopulations occur within a broader network of suitable habitat, while the Saddle Mountain population is already isolated.

The documents do not provide a minimum boulder size, crevice width, canopy cover or patch area. Treat all connected granite boulder and rainforest habitat near flowing or permanent water as potential habitat until a qualified ecologist has assessed it.

  • Avoid removing, capping, filling or sealing granite boulders and rock crevices.
  • Keep machinery, spoil, concrete washout and sediment out of rainforest gullies and flowing water.
  • Maintain habitat connections between boulder slopes and rainforest patches.
  • Plan fire, grass control and access works to avoid increasing fuel loads or exposing rainforest edges.

Foraging habitat: Diet and feeding method

This species is a nocturnal predator of small invertebrates. It forages from rock crevices and across granite boulder surfaces, particularly beside flowing or permanent water.

The Mount Elliot leaf-tailed gecko is a generalised predator of small invertebrates. It emerges from rock crevices at night and hunts on and among large granite boulder slopes.

Individuals are often found head down on boulders, probably in an ambush position. The supplied documents do not identify particular prey taxa or food plants.

Diet: Small invertebrates

Feeding period: Night

Foraging substrate: Granite boulders, rock slopes and areas around rainforest gullies

Foraging range: Not quantified; the species has limited dispersal and tends to occupy the same territory

  • Keep night lighting away from occupied boulders and crevices where practicable.
  • Avoid spraying insecticides or disturbing surface litter and crevice fauna within potential habitat.
  • Do not remove boulders, rock slabs or vegetation that provides cover around feeding sites.

Breeding habitat: Breeding biology

The species lays eggs, but its breeding season, incubation period and lifespan are not well documented. Breeding habitat is expected to be within the same protected boulder and rainforest system used by adults.

Females may lay a single clutch per year. One source reports two eggs per clutch, while an early record found 1 to 3 shelled eggs in 8 of 14 mature females examined.

The species is relatively slow growing compared with many geckos. Phyllurus species generally reach reproductive size at 2 to 3 years of age.

Breeding season: Not documented in the supplied documents

Reproductive mode: Oviparous

Clutch size: Usually reported as two eggs; 1 to 3 shelled eggs were recorded in 8 of 14 mature females in an early sample

Clutches per year: A female may lay one clutch per year

Incubation period: Not reported

Age at maturity: Usually 2 to 3 years in Phyllurus species

Lifespan: Not reported

Breeding habitat: Breeding habitat and protection

Specific egg-laying sites have not been described. The available evidence supports protecting the rocky rainforest habitat used by adults, including rock crevices, granite boulder slopes, rainforest gullies and adjacent permanent or flowing water.

Because the species has limited dispersal and only four known subpopulations, disturbance to a small number of breeding adults or occupied crevices may affect local recruitment.

  • Treat occupied and apparently suitable rock crevices as potential egg-laying refuges.
  • Avoid vibration, drilling, blasting, rock removal and sealing works near occupied boulder habitat.
  • Keep drainage, sediment and heated runoff from entering rainforest gullies and permanent water beside boulder fields.

Sheltering habitat: Known refuges

Rock crevices and the spaces among large granite boulders are the principal known refuges. The species has not been documented using tree hollows, burrows, nests or artificial structures.

Individuals emerge from rock crevices to forage at night and are commonly found on or beside large granite boulders. They may shelter in the same rocky rainforest area that supports feeding and breeding.

The species has a strongly flattened body, which allows it to lie flat against boulders and rocks. A single observation away from a boulder recorded an animal on a tree trunk between two boulders, just above the water line.

Primary refuge: Rock crevices and spaces among large granite boulders

Known refuge size: Not quantified

Other recorded surface: A tree trunk between two boulders, just above the water line

Hollows, burrows and nests: Not reported for this species

  • Inspect rock crevices and gaps between boulders before any excavation, stabilisation, grouting or rock removal.
  • Keep crevice entrances open and avoid placing spoil, mesh, concrete or temporary fencing directly against occupied rocks.
  • Use a qualified fauna spotter catcher for any approved handling or relocation.

Threats: Clearing, fragmentation and construction

The species has a very small range, limited dispersal and only four known subpopulations. A local disturbance or collection event can therefore affect a substantial part of the species' known distribution.

Clearing or construction that removes rocky rainforest, boulder slopes, gullies or connecting vegetation can reduce shelter, feeding and breeding habitat. The less than 2 km gap between Mount Elliot and Saddle Mountain already limits gene flow, so further loss of connecting habitat may increase isolation.

The species occurs within a protected area, but protection from broad land clearing does not prevent impacts from access tracks, utilities, drainage, rock stabilisation, boulder removal or other project works.

  • Map and retain all granite boulder fields, rock crevices, rainforest gullies and watercourses within the work area.
  • Keep temporary and permanent access routes out of occupied and connected rocky rainforest wherever practicable.
  • Schedule rock breaking, drilling, blasting and boulder removal only after targeted fauna assessment and approval.
  • Prevent workers from entering crevices or collecting animals.

Threats: Fire, invasive grasses and climate

Altered fire frequency, timing and intensity threaten rainforest patches and the connections between them. Guinea grass and molasses grass increase fuel loads around preferred rainforest habitat.

High-frequency hazard reduction burns, late dry-season burning, cattle-related burning and more severe weather associated with climate change may reduce rainforest area and increase fragmentation. Rocky and moist sites provide some buffering, but they are not immune to extreme fire or habitat loss.

  • Keep fire management burns away from occupied boulder and rainforest habitat unless the burn is specifically assessed for this species.
  • Control invasive grasses without increasing fire intensity or disturbing boulder crevices.
  • Protect moist gullies and rainforest edges from repeated hot burns.

Threats: Collection and other pressures

Illegal collection for the international pet trade is a demonstrated threat. A collection event reduced an Alligator Creek count from a previous 20 to 30 individuals to one individual in a targeted survey.

No species-specific evidence is provided for road mortality, introduced predators or disease. Roads and access tracks may nevertheless increase access for collectors, fragment habitat and alter drainage, so these risks should be assessed for each project.

Changes to water flow, drainage or sediment conditions may affect occupied boulders and rainforest gullies because observations are strongly associated with permanent or flowing water.

Documented illegal collection impact: One event substantially reduced the Alligator Creek subpopulation

International trade records: 72 specimens detected in international trade from 2008 to 2018; 227 online advertisements recorded from 2014 to 2023

Reported 2017 to 2018 sale price: 1,250 to 2,030 Euros per individual

  • Limit public and contractor access to known localities and do not publish precise locations unnecessarily.
  • Secure project compounds, equipment and spoil areas so animals cannot be collected or trapped.
  • Assess road and drainage designs for access, runoff, sediment and changes to flowing water beside boulder habitat.
  • Report suspected collection, injured animals or unusual mortality through the relevant Queensland wildlife authority.

Survey methodology: 1. Night spotlighting

Survey this species as a highly localised, nocturnal gecko of rocky rainforest, granite boulders, gullies and creek margins. Its known range is restricted to four localities on and around Mount Elliot in Queensland, generally between 400 and 1000 m above sea level.

Undertake targeted night searches along rocky slopes, rainforest gullies, creek lines and permanent or flowing water between boulders.

Search after dark when the geckos are active and foraging for invertebrates. Inspect rock faces, crevices and boulders close to the waterline, including surfaces where the animal may be head-down in an ambush position.

Use experienced observers and record the start and finish time, weather, rainfall, temperature if measured, route, search area and all detections or non-detections.

Repeat searches on more than one suitable night where the habitat is present, because the population size is unknown and the species has limited dispersal and localised subpopulations.

Known elevation range: Mostly 400 to 1000 m above sea level

Activity period: Nocturnal

Known localities: Four localities on and around Mount Elliot

  • Keep observers quiet and avoid repeatedly approaching or handling the same animal.
  • Do not remove rocks or enter crevices during a search unless this is authorised under the project fauna management plan and relevant permits.

Survey methodology: 2. Active searches of refuge habitat

Inspect large granite boulder slopes, rainforest gullies, rock crevices and shaded rocks beside streams during the day for animals, sloughed skin, droppings and suitable refuge sites.

Give priority to habitat immediately above the waterline and to boulders with adjacent rainforest, as the species is most often associated with these features.

Map each suitable habitat patch and record its connection to other rocky rainforest patches, creeks and gullies.

Previous Alligator Creek observation: 20 to 30 individuals were recorded along an accessible stretch, followed by one individual in a 2013 targeted search

Western Boulders density: Low density, associated with exposed boulders and little rainforest

  • Use a consistent transect or search route and record the length or area searched so that effort can be compared between visits.
  • Do not infer absence from a single unsuccessful search, particularly at Western Boulders where the species has been recorded at low density and at Alligator Creek where a targeted search found only one individual after earlier records of 20 to 30 animals.

Survey methodology: 3. Trapping and specialist survey methods

Use trapping only where a suitably qualified herpetologist considers it necessary, and only under the approvals and animal ethics or fauna permits applying to the project.

Give preference to non-invasive spotlighting and active searches because the supplied documents provide no species-specific trapping design, trap-night requirement or standard survey guideline.

If trapping is approved, specify the trap type, placement, checking interval, weather limits, escape prevention, shade and moisture controls, release procedure and named authorised handlers in the fauna management plan.

  • Do not collect animals for identification, captive holding or translocation unless the relevant Queensland authority has issued the required approval.
  • Record the survey method, number of traps or searchers, trap nights or person-hours where applicable, habitat searched, weather and all captures or injuries.

Survey methodology: Minimum effort and reporting

  • Search all rocky rainforest, boulder, gully and creek habitat that could be disturbed, with priority given to habitat between 400 and 1000 m and to rocks beside flowing or permanent water.
  • Use repeated night spotlighting and active searches where suitable habitat is present, because the population size is unknown and no formal population monitoring programme is in place.
  • Have the project ecologist document the effort needed to support a defensible presence or absence conclusion, including search nights, hours, observers, transect length or area and conditions.
  • Report any confirmed record, suspected illegal collection, injury or mortality to the Queensland wildlife authority and submit verified records to the relevant Queensland state wildlife database.
  • Retain photographs and precise location data, while controlling public access to exact locations because the species is sought by illegal collectors.

Before habitat disturbance: Avoid and minimise

Treat rocky rainforest, granite boulders, creek margins and connected gullies as potential habitat wherever they occur within the species' known Queensland range. The entire known distribution is within Bowling Green Bay National Park, but protected status does not remove the risks from altered fire, invasive grasses, climate events or illegal collection.

Mount Elliot to Saddle Mountain habitat gap: Less than 2 km of unsuitable habitat separates the populations

Mount Elliot population spacing: The three Mount Elliot localities span up to approximately 12 km in a connected area of suitable habitat

  • Redesign the footprint to retain rocky rainforest, large boulder fields, rock crevices, rainforest gullies and permanent or flowing water used by the species.
  • Retain continuous habitat between occupied or suitable rocky rainforest patches, particularly across narrow connections that could otherwise increase isolation between populations.
  • Avoid works that remove or damage rainforest immediately around boulders and creek lines, because the species uses rock crevices and boulders for shelter and forages near water.
  • Keep exact locations confidential in site documents that are accessible to contractors or the public.

Before habitat disturbance: Approvals and project planning

  • Confirm the species' current legal status before works begin: it is not listed under the EPBC Act in the supplied profile and is Vulnerable under Queensland legislation.
  • Obtain Queensland permits for any taking, handling, moving, release, research or education activity that requires authorisation under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and associated regulations.
  • Confirm whether the work requires approval from the land manager, particularly for works within Bowling Green Bay National Park or other protected areas.
  • Schedule clearing and high-risk works outside periods of wet weather, extreme heat and active fire conditions where practicable, while recognising that the species is nocturnal and may be present in crevices at any time.
  • Prepare a fauna management plan that names the spotter catcher, authorised handlers, search methods, release sites, stop-work triggers, injury response and reporting contacts.

Before habitat disturbance: Pre-clearance preparation

Typical adult size: Average snout to vent length approximately 110 mm

Reproductive rate described in the proposal: A female may lay one clutch per year, with two eggs per clutch

  • Complete targeted pre-clearance searches of all rocky rainforest, boulder, gully and creek habitat within and beside the disturbance footprint.
  • Mark boulders, rock crevices, creek margins, rainforest patches and habitat connections that must be retained or inspected before machinery enters.
  • Install exclusion fencing around retained habitat where it can prevent machinery access without blocking natural movement between retained rocky rainforest patches.
  • Brief all operators that the species is a small, flat-bodied gecko with a broad leaf-shaped tail and that it may be concealed in rock crevices near water.
  • Stage the works so the smallest practicable area is exposed at one time and retained habitat remains connected.

During habitat disturbance: Daily controls and machinery interface

Use a daily fauna control system whenever works could disturb rocky rainforest, boulders, gullies or creek margins. The spotter catcher must have authority to pause machinery and must be able to inspect rock and habitat features before they are moved or removed.

  • Inspect the work area before machinery starts each day, with particular attention to boulders, rock crevices, rainforest edges and water margins.
  • Require the fauna spotter catcher to remain in communication with machine operators and to stand where the next disturbance area can be inspected safely.
  • Move machinery progressively and stop before entering any marked exclusion area or retained habitat patch.
  • Use low-impact methods near boulders, creek lines and rainforest gullies, and prevent sediment, spoil, fuel or wash water from entering retained rocky rainforest or flowing water.
  • Suspend work during conditions that prevent a safe inspection, including heavy rain, smoke, poor visibility or unsafe access.

During habitat disturbance: Handling animals and habitat features

  • Only an authorised and appropriately qualified person may capture, handle or relocate a gecko, and handling must be limited to what is needed for identification, safety and approved relocation.
  • Do not prise apart boulders, destroy rock crevices or move habitat features until the spotter catcher has inspected them and confirmed that no animal is present or that an approved procedure is in place.
  • If a gecko is found, stop the activity affecting its immediate refuge and allow the spotter catcher to capture it using an appropriate container and minimise handling time.
  • Release an uninjured animal into nearby retained rocky rainforest habitat with suitable boulders, crevices and water, only where the release is authorised and the location has been assessed as safe.
  • Do not release the animal into isolated or exposed habitat, across the unsuitable gap between Mount Elliot and Saddle Mountain, or into an area affected by active works.
  • Do not retain the animal overnight or establish captive holding unless this is specifically authorised.
  • Take an injured animal to a veterinarian or approved wildlife carer through the project fauna response process, and record the transfer.

During habitat disturbance: Stop-work triggers and records

Known severe collection event: A 2012 event reduced an Alligator Creek observation from about 20 animals to one detected animal in a later targeted search

Known population units: Four discrete subpopulations or localities are described

  • Stop work immediately if a Mount Elliot leaf-tailed gecko is found within the disturbance area, if an occupied refuge is suspected, or if machinery is about to damage marked habitat.
  • Stop work if clearing reveals an unexpected concentration of suitable rocky rainforest, boulders, crevices or creek habitat not covered by the pre-clearance assessment.
  • Record the date, time, exact location, habitat, condition, photographs, identifier, action taken, release location and people involved for every detection, capture, injury, mortality and relocation.
  • Record daily inspections, areas cleared, habitat features removed, weather, start and finish times, personnel and any breaches of exclusion fencing.
  • Notify the project environmental officer and relevant Queensland authority of any mortality, suspected illegal collection or event that may affect a subpopulation.

After habitat disturbance: Post-clearance checks

Post-clearance work must confirm that no animal or suitable refuge has been left within the disturbed area and that retained rocky rainforest remains connected and protected. The species' recovery can be slow after localised losses, so close out fauna controls only after the site has been checked and documented.

  • Complete a final inspection of the cleared area, rock crevices, boulder edges, rainforest margins and creek lines after machinery has left.
  • Check retained habitat and exclusion fencing for damage, sediment deposition, altered drainage, fire impacts and unauthorised access.
  • Undertake follow-up night spotlighting in retained habitat where a gecko was detected, where suitable habitat was disturbed, or where the environmental authority requires post-clearance monitoring.
  • Compare post-clearance records with the pre-clearance map and investigate any unexplained loss of habitat or connectivity.

After habitat disturbance: Monitoring and reporting

Monitoring status in the proposal: No population monitoring was in place for the species

Recovery concern: Recovery after the Alligator Creek collection event was expected to be slow

  • Monitor retained rocky rainforest, boulders and water margins using the same routes and search method used before works so that results are comparable.
  • Continue monitoring for a period and at a frequency set by the approval, fauna management plan or project ecologist, because no species-specific monitoring programme is described in the supplied documents.
  • Submit confirmed records, negative survey results where required, injury and mortality records, relocation details and habitat impacts to the relevant Queensland wildlife database and authority.
  • Report any evidence that the work has increased isolation between habitat patches or affected the connection between Mount Elliot localities and Saddle Mountain.

After habitat disturbance: Maintain controls and offsets

  • Keep exclusion fencing, erosion controls, water protection measures and habitat protection markers in place until the environmental officer confirms that they are no longer needed.
  • Repair any damaged retained habitat and prevent follow-on access by vehicles, contractors or the public.
  • Apply any approved offset, restoration or conservation condition where residual impacts cannot be avoided, and document the area, habitat type, management actions and expected outcomes.
  • Do not treat occurrence within a protected area as evidence that additional habitat loss is acceptable; the species has only four known localities and an unknown total population size.

Rehabilitation actions: Restore habitat structure and connectivity

Rehabilitation should recreate the rocky rainforest and water-associated refuge conditions used by the Mount Elliot leaf-tailed gecko. Prioritise habitat structure, connectivity, weed control and fire management over cosmetic planting or isolated revegetation patches.

Habitat type: Rocky rainforest, granite boulder slopes and rainforest gullies

Foraging association: Rock crevices and boulders near permanent or flowing water

  • Re-establish locally appropriate rainforest vegetation around retained and reinstated granite boulders, rocky slopes, gullies and creek margins.
  • Use locally sourced native rainforest species selected by the project ecologist and land manager for the relevant Bowling Green Bay National Park locality, rather than introducing species from another region.
  • Reinstate stable rocks and boulders only where this can be done safely and without burying existing crevices or changing creek flow.
  • Reconnect retained rainforest patches and protect movement pathways between boulder fields, gullies and water margins.
  • Do not create artificial habitat in an isolated location and describe it as replacement habitat without post-rehabilitation evidence of suitable structure and use.

Rehabilitation actions: Manage weeds, fire and predators

Named invasive grasses: Guinea grass, Megathyrsus maximus, and molasses grass, Melinis minutiflora

Fire risks identified: Changed frequency, timing and intensity, high-frequency hazard reduction burns and late dry-season burning

  • Control guinea grass, Megathyrsus maximus, and molasses grass, Melinis minutiflora, around rainforest patches in accordance with the land manager's weed and fire plan.
  • Coordinate fire management with the land manager to avoid high-frequency or late dry-season burning that could remove rainforest habitat or reduce connectivity.
  • Use site-specific erosion and drainage controls to prevent sediment or altered flow from degrading creek-side boulder habitat.
  • Manage public and contractor access to reduce the risk of illegal collection, particularly near accessible sites and newly restored habitat.
  • Use predator control only where it is supported by the approved conservation or land management programme, because the supplied documents do not identify a species-specific predator control method.

Rehabilitation actions: Monitor rehabilitation success

Species survey limitation: Population size is unknown and no formal population monitoring programme is described

Distribution constraint: The known range is limited to four localities on and around Mount Elliot

  • Inspect planted areas, reinstated rocks, creek margins, exclusion fencing and weed treatment areas after rainfall and during scheduled maintenance visits.
  • Use night spotlighting and active searches in suitable rehabilitated habitat, recording the same effort and conditions at each visit.
  • Measure survival of planted rainforest vegetation, stability and cover of reinstated boulders, retention of shaded crevices, condition of water margins, weed cover and connectivity to retained habitat.
  • Treat a rehabilitation area as successful only when it maintains suitable rocky rainforest and water-associated refuge features and meets the approval's monitoring requirements; do not rely on planting numbers alone.
  • Submit rehabilitation monitoring results and any gecko detections to the relevant Queensland wildlife database and project authority.

Sources