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Zigzag Velvet Gecko (Amalosia rhombifer)

The Zigzag Velvet Gecko is an arboreal Australian gecko in the family Diplodactylidae. It is associated with trees that have loose, decorticating bark and hollows, and may also be detected in leaf litter, so clearing that removes mature trees or shelter features can affect habitat on development sites.

Conservation status

New South Wales, Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016: Endangered.

Breeding season

Species-specific breeding months are not recorded for the Zigzag Velvet Gecko. For planning, use the documented September to April activity period, and treat sheltering animals, eggs and young as a potential risk throughout the year until local conditions and survey results provide better timing.

Reproductive mode: Oviparous

Clutch size: 2 eggs

Incubation: Not recorded

Size at hatching: Not recorded

Age at maturity: Not recorded

Nest or egg sites: Not recorded

Breeding frequency: Not recorded

Confirm timing locally with recent records and pre-clearing surveys, and adjust for local rainfall, temperature, humidity, elevation and seasonal conditions.

  • Mating: No mating months are recorded for this species. This general warm-season timing is used for an Australian nocturnal gecko, with timing expected to vary with local temperature and rainfall.
  • Gravid females: The presence and seasonal timing of gravid females are not recorded. As a general planning measure, females carrying eggs may occur during the warmer September to April activity period.
  • Egg laying: The species lays eggs, but egg-laying months and sites are not recorded. Use September to April as a general warm-season planning period, subject to local temperature and rainfall.
  • Incubation: Incubation length and seasonal timing are not recorded. Eggs may be present during the general September to April breeding window, but this must be confirmed locally before clearing.
  • Hatchlings: Hatching and juvenile emergence months are not recorded. For planning, allow for hatchlings during the general September to April warm-season period.
  • Active period: The NSW survey guide specifies spotlight surveys from September to April, from sunset to 3 hours after sunset, under warmer and more humid conditions. The species is recorded as nocturnal, but no species-wide activity season is available.
  • Winter inactivity: Brumation, hibernation and winter inactivity are not recorded. In cooler parts of the range, use May to August as a general period when animals may remain in bark, hollows, litter or other shelter and may be less able to escape machinery.
  • Highest clearing risk: Clearing risk applies year round because suitable trees, loose bark, hollows and leaf litter can shelter animals at any time. Risk may increase from September to April when animals are targeted as active, while May to August may expose animals sheltering from cooler conditions.

Identification

The supplied documents provide limited external description for this species. Field identification should therefore rely on an appropriately skilled reptile surveyor and, where necessary, photographic or specimen confirmation.

The Zigzag Velvet Gecko is a velvet gecko in the genus Amalosia. The available species information identifies it as largely arboreal and most commonly detected beneath loose, decorticating bark. Individuals may also be active in leaf litter on the ground.

Identification: Field detection

Search trees with loose bark and hollows during warm, humid conditions from sunset to 3 hours after sunset. Look for active geckos and eyeshine, and check leaf litter for movement or eyeshine.

Avoid hand searches that remove or disturb potential shelter. Artificial bark can be used as a survey device, but it should be installed and checked according to the NSW survey guide rather than treated as a natural feature.

Targeted survey period: September to April

Spotlight effort: 120 person-minutes per survey per 50 hectares of suitable habitat, with 4 replicates

Alternative artificial cover method: 18 artificial bark strips per 50 hectares of suitable habitat

Identification: Similar species

The supplied material lists other Australian geckos that may occur in the same broad region, including Lesueur's Velvet Gecko, Robust Gecko, Eastern Stone Gecko and Southern Spotted Velvet Gecko, but it does not provide diagnostic differences for separating them from the Zigzag Velvet Gecko.

Do not identify the species from habitat alone. Record clear photographs of the animal, head and dorsal pattern where this can be done without handling or disturbing shelter.

Distribution: Documented jurisdiction

The available documents do not provide a national distribution map, state-by-state range, bioregional range, strongholds or population estimate for the Zigzag Velvet Gecko.

The species is included in the NSW threatened reptile survey guide as a species listed under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act. The supplied listing identifies it as Endangered in New South Wales.

No reliable Australian range or bioregional distribution can be extracted from the supplied documents. Project assessments should use current NSW biodiversity data, the Threatened Biodiversity Data Collection and verified records for the subject land.

NSW status: Endangered

National population size: Not stated in the supplied documents

Population trend: Not stated in the supplied documents

Known strongholds or subpopulations: Not stated in the supplied documents

Habitat: Habitat structure

Suitable habitat is defined in the NSW survey guide by the plant community types associated with the species in the Threatened Biodiversity Data Collection. The supplied documents do not name those plant community types or provide elevation limits.

The species is largely arboreal. Prioritise trees with loose, decorticating bark and hollows when assessing habitat and planning clearing.

Leaf litter may also be used or searched by active individuals. Retain connected tree cover, loose bark where safe, hollows and undisturbed litter during site planning.

Habitat mapping basis: All plant community types on the subject land associated with the species in the Threatened Biodiversity Data Collection

Key tree features: Loose, decorticating bark and hollows

Other search habitat: Leaf litter on the ground

Elevation limit: Not stated

Climate limit: Not stated

Foraging habitat: Foraging conditions

The supplied documents do not state the species' diet, prey taxa or foraging range. They do link its activity to warm, humid conditions that support insect activity.

Targeted searches are timed between sunset and 3 hours after sunset because warmer and more humid conditions support insect activity and increase the likelihood of detecting active geckos.

Search both tree habitat and leaf litter. The documents do not identify particular food plants, prey species or a normal foraging distance.

Foraging period used for surveys: Sunset to 3 hours after sunset

Diet: Not specified in the supplied documents

Food plants: Not specified in the supplied documents

Foraging range: Not specified in the supplied documents

Breeding habitat: Breeding features

Breeding biology is not provided in the supplied documents. Avoid assigning a breeding season or clutch size without a species-specific source.

The available survey guidance does not state where the species lays eggs, whether it uses tree hollows or bark shelters for breeding, or whether breeding sites differ from general shelter habitat.

For impact assessment, map and retain the full extent of suitable habitat rather than limiting protection to confirmed breeding locations.

Breeding season: Not stated in the supplied documents

Clutch size: Not stated

Gestation or incubation: Not stated

Age at maturity: Not stated

Lifespan: Not stated

Sheltering habitat: Natural refuges

The main documented shelter features are loose bark and tree hollows. Searches should minimise disturbance because removing potential shelter can harm or displace animals.

Inspect trees with loose, decorticating bark and hollows. Leaf litter should also be checked for active animals, but it should not be repeatedly disturbed during general clearing inspections.

Do not remove or disturb potential shelter during hand searches. Retain suitable trees and bark features wherever practicable, particularly within mapped suitable habitat.

Sheltering habitat: Artificial bark survey devices

The NSW survey method uses a 1 metre wide strip of foil-backed, closed-cell foam that is 5 millimetres thick. The strip is fitted around a tree at 1.5 metres above ground, with the foil facing outwards, and secured so it can be checked safely.

For each 50 hectares of suitable habitat, install 18 artificial bark strips. Place 6 trees within 1 hectare at each of 3 separate sites, and install the devices at least 4 months before the first survey. Check them daily for 2 days.

Artificial bark width: 1 metre

Artificial bark thickness: 5 millimetres

Installation height: 1.5 metres above ground

Density: 18 strips per 50 hectares of suitable habitat

Installation lead time: At least 4 months before the first survey

Threats: Clearing and construction

The supplied documents do not provide a species-specific threat assessment. They do establish that clearing and disturbance of trees with loose bark, hollows and associated leaf litter can remove or degrade the habitat used to detect this species.

Tree clearing can remove the loose bark and hollows where this largely arboreal gecko is most commonly detected. Plan pre-clearing searches around suitable trees and retain habitat identified through the species polygon process.

Avoid disturbing potential shelter during hand searches and clearing preparation. Where clearing cannot be avoided, use an appropriately skilled reptile surveyor and follow the NSW targeted survey requirements.

Threats: Other impact pathways

The supplied documents do not assess fragmentation, roads, fire, predators, disease or hydrology change for this species. These pathways should be considered in the project impact assessment only where site-specific evidence indicates that they could remove or alter suitable habitat.

The NSW survey guide requires the species polygon to cover the full extent of suitable habitat on the subject land, not only locations where animals have been detected.

Survey methodology: 1. Spotlighting

Survey the Zigzag Velvet Gecko, Amalosia rhombifer, as a largely arboreal species that is most often detected under loose, decorticating bark. Search trees with loose bark and hollows, and check leaf litter for active geckos, movement and eyeshine.

Undertake spotlight surveys in suitable habitat from September to April.

Survey between sunset and 3 hours after sunset, when warmer and more humid conditions support insect activity and gecko movement.

Focus the search on trees with loose bark and hollows, while also checking leaf litter on the ground.

Survey period: September to April

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

Replicates: 4 spotlight surveys per 50 ha of suitable habitat

Survey period each night: Sunset to 3 hours after sunset

  • Complete 120 person-minutes per survey for each 50 ha of suitable habitat.
  • Complete 4 spotlight surveys per 50 ha of suitable habitat.
  • Use an appropriately skilled reptile surveyor who can detect the species and identify it accurately.
  • Do not remove or disturb potential shelter during hand searches.

Survey methodology: 2. Artificial bark

Use artificial bark as an alternative to spotlight surveys where it is suitable for the site and can be installed without damaging retained trees.

Install the artificial bark at least 4 months before the first survey.

Artificial bark sites: 3 sites

Trees per site: 6 trees within 1 ha

Total trees: 18 trees

Strip width: 1 m

Strip thickness: 5 mm

Installation height: 1.5 m above ground

Installation lead time: At least 4 months before the first survey

Checking period: Daily for 2 days

  • Select 6 trees within 1 ha at each of 3 separate sites, giving 18 trees in total.
  • Place one 1 m wide strip of 5 mm thick, foil-backed closed-cell foam around each tree at 1.5 m above ground, with the foil facing outwards.
  • Secure each strip with wire, string or elastic straps so it can be checked without damaging the tree.
  • Check the artificial bark daily for 2 days.
  • Use the artificial bark method for the September to April survey period.

Survey methodology: Minimum effort and reporting

  • Define suitable habitat using the relevant state habitat mapping and field assessment, then apply the survey effort to each 50 ha of suitable habitat.
  • Design the survey to maximise detection and document site, seasonal and temporal constraints.
  • Record survey dates, start and finish times, weather conditions, personnel, effort, methods, habitat searched, detections and any limitations.
  • Map all detections and the full extent of suitable habitat on the subject land when preparing the species polygon.
  • Submit confirmed records and the required project spatial data to the relevant state wildlife database and approval authority.
  • Retain photographs, GPS locations and supporting field notes with the project environmental records.
  • Use a survey variation only where it meets the same objectives, is supported by evidence and is justified in the project report.

Before habitat disturbance: Avoid and minimise

Treat trees with loose bark or hollows, and connected areas of suitable habitat, as potential Zigzag Velvet Gecko habitat before clearing. Confirm the applicable state requirements because the species is listed as endangered in New South Wales, while the supplied information records it as not listed under the EPBC Act.

  • Retain trees with loose or decorticating bark and tree hollows wherever practicable.
  • Retain connected patches of suitable habitat and avoid breaking links between retained trees, litter and other shelter features.
  • Keep clearing to the approved footprint and mark no-go areas before machinery enters the site.
  • Do not strip, peel or otherwise disturb loose bark on retained trees during site preparation.

Before habitat disturbance: Approvals and work planning

  • Check the current state threatened-species listing, development consent and wildlife handling requirements before works begin.
  • Obtain any required state permits or licences for survey, capture, handling and relocation.
  • Check whether the approved project has any Commonwealth referral or approval obligations, even though the supplied listing records the species as not listed under the EPBC Act.
  • Prepare a fauna management plan that identifies suitable habitat, survey effort, clearing limits, fauna handling arrangements, stop-work triggers and reporting requirements.
  • Stage clearing so retained habitat is protected while each work area is surveyed and cleared.

Before habitat disturbance: Site preparation

  • Complete the required pre-clearance survey during the September to April activity period where practicable.
  • Mark retained trees, loose-bark trees, hollows, exclusion areas and the approved clearing boundary before clearing.
  • Use exclusion fencing where it can prevent machinery or personnel entering retained habitat without creating a barrier that traps fauna.
  • Brief machinery operators and the fauna spotter catcher on the species' arboreal habits, likely shelter under loose bark and expected detection period after sunset.
  • Position artificial bark only where it is part of the approved survey design, and allow at least 4 months before the first check.

During habitat disturbance: Daily controls

Clear only within the approved footprint and use a fauna spotter catcher to check habitat immediately before and during disturbance. The spotter catcher must be able to stop machinery quickly and must not remove shelter features unnecessarily.

  • Inspect the work area each day before clearing and after any overnight pause.
  • Check trees with loose bark or hollows and the surrounding leaf litter before machinery begins work.
  • Maintain exclusion fencing, retained-tree markers and no-go areas throughout the work.
  • Schedule night spotlighting outside active machinery hours and avoid disturbance of potential shelter during any hand search.
  • Keep the fauna spotter catcher in direct communication with the machinery operator and maintain a clear stop-work signal.

During habitat disturbance: Fauna handling and habitat features

  • Do not remove or disturb loose bark simply to search for a gecko.
  • Have only an appropriately authorised and experienced person capture, handle or relocate the animal, in accordance with the applicable state permit and project fauna management plan.
  • If a gecko is found, stop the activity affecting the animal and allow the authorised fauna handler to assess it before work resumes.
  • Relocate an animal only where authorised, to nearby retained habitat that provides suitable trees, loose bark, hollows and leaf litter.
  • Treat hollow-bearing trees, loose-bark trees, logs, rocks and leaf litter as potential shelter features and retain them unless their removal is approved and managed.
  • Do not move a shelter feature or commence its removal until the fauna spotter catcher has checked it and cleared the work step.

During habitat disturbance: Incidents, injury and stop-work triggers

  • Stop work immediately if a Zigzag Velvet Gecko is found within the active work area, if a retained habitat feature is damaged, or if clearing moves outside the approved footprint.
  • Stop work if exclusion fencing fails or if the fauna spotter catcher cannot maintain a safe view of the clearing operation.
  • Place an injured animal in an appropriate secure container only under the direction of the authorised fauna handler.
  • Transfer an injured animal promptly to a suitably qualified wildlife carer or veterinarian, as required by the permit and fauna management plan.
  • Record every detection, capture, relocation, injury, mortality, habitat-feature removal and stop-work event with the location, time, action and outcome.
  • Report unexpected threatened-species impacts to the project environmental officer and the relevant approval authority.

After habitat disturbance: Post-clearance checks

Post-clearance work must confirm that the approved footprint was respected and that retained habitat remains suitable and connected. Use the project records to show what was cleared, what was retained and how any gecko detections were managed.

  • Inspect the cleared boundary and retained habitat for damaged trees, displaced loose bark, disturbed hollows and broken exclusion fencing.
  • Complete a post-clearance fauna check before demobilising the fauna spotter catcher from each work area.
  • Check nearby retained trees and leaf litter for geckos that may have moved from disturbed habitat.
  • Repair fencing and reinstate marked exclusion areas where further construction activity remains.

After habitat disturbance: Monitoring and reporting

  • Continue monitoring where the approval, fauna management plan or risk assessment requires it.
  • Use the same survey method and effort where follow-up monitoring is intended to compare detection results.
  • Update the project map with all detections, retained habitat, cleared habitat and any relocation sites.
  • Submit required records to the relevant state wildlife database and include survey effort, methods, results, incidents and spatial data in the project report.
  • Apply any approved offset, restoration or other compensatory measure required by the consent or threatened-species legislation.

Rehabilitation actions: Habitat restoration

Rehabilitation should restore the tree and ground features used by Zigzag Velvet Geckos, with priority given to retained and replanted trees that can develop bark cover and hollows. Set measurable outcomes in the project rehabilitation plan and check them over time.

  • Protect retained trees and establish locally appropriate native tree and shrub plantings that will provide future bark cover, hollows and canopy links.
  • Retain and reinstate suitable leaf litter and other natural ground cover around retained and replanted trees.
  • Reinstate logs, rocks and other approved shelter features only where they occur naturally or are specified in the rehabilitation design.
  • Do not install artificial bark as a substitute for retaining mature trees unless it is part of an approved management or monitoring program.
  • Control weeds and manage erosion so leaf litter and tree bases remain available as shelter habitat.
  • Manage fire in accordance with the site fire plan and the ecological needs of retained trees, bark features and leaf litter.

Rehabilitation actions: Monitoring and success measures

  • Inspect plant survival, tree protection, canopy links, bark retention, leaf-litter cover, weed control and erosion after rehabilitation and following major disturbance events.
  • Use spotlight surveys from September to April where monitoring is intended to detect Zigzag Velvet Geckos, with the method, effort and timing recorded for each survey.
  • Use artificial bark only under a documented design that includes 18 strips across 3 sites, installation at least 4 months before checking and daily checks for 2 days, where that method is approved for monitoring.
  • Record all gecko detections, injuries, mortalities and habitat changes, and compare results with the approved rehabilitation targets.
  • Maintain rehabilitation controls until the project environmental officer confirms that the approved habitat and fauna outcomes have been met.

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