Description:

Bavayia cyclura as it is currently known (Bauer & Sadlier, 2000) is a composite of closely related and morphologically similar species of gecko that reach a body length of up to 72mm with a tail approximately 100% the length of the body; have moderately broad toes; and a colour pattern on the body which typically has 4-5 pale blotches which are dark-edged below, a pale stripe either side of the neck, and are yellow underneath.

Natural Distribution:

Research in progress indicates Bavayia cyclura as it is currently recognised comprises a number of morphologically and genetically distinct species distributed across Grande Terre, adjacent satellite islands, and Isle des Pin.

Distribution within Province Sud:

Populations currently assigned to this species occur at a number of scattered localities in the south of the province, both coastal and montane - there is a large gap in distribution between Mt Ouin and Sarraméa, reflecting a lack of field surveys in the coastal lowlands and ranges of this region.

Distribution within Province Nord:

Populations currently assigned to this species occur at a number of coastal lowland and mid elevation sites throughout the Province, including offshore islands.

Habitat:

Humid forest; sclerophyll forest; strand vegetation; coastal mangroves.

Threats:

• moderate level of threat to populations in humid forest habitat through repeated firing of adjacent savannah habitat, leading to loss and degradation of the forest edge.

• potentially high level of threat to populations in humid forest with high infestation levels of the introduced Little Red Fire Ant (Wasmannia auropunctata), resulting in a significant decline in abundance.

• moderate to high level of threat to populations in humid forest on coastal lowlands of the east and west coast from local agriculture and ranching respectively, resulting in loss , modification and fragmentation of habitat.

• localised but moderate to high level of threat to populations in mid elevation humid forest through loss and modification of forest habitat to timber plantations.

• potentially high level of threat from exotic pests such as rats and cats (predation of adults, young & eggs) in heavily affected forests, particularly on islands.

Conservation Status:

Data Deficient.

Bavayia cyclura comprises a complex of species that requires substantial research is to clarify the taxonomy of the populations involved, for this reason it is inappropriate to formally assess the species conservation status.

Department of Herpetology, Australian Museum, 6 College Street, Sydney 2000, New South Wales, Australia