Description:

A small species of gecko growing to a body length of 58mm and with a tail 115% that of the body; moderately broad toes; large plate like scales on the head and neck; a distinctive yellow groove running from the corner of the mouth towards the ear; and a colour pattern on the body that is typically pale with a mottling of darker markings, sometimes forming a pattern of transverse bars across the body. White underneath

Natural Distribution:

A widespread but scattered distribution throughout the main island, and also possibly present on Ile des Pin.

Distribution within Province Sud: Recorded from two locations in the north of the Province along the central ranges (Koindé, Mé Adéo) and on the coast (Poya) near the border with Province Nord, and from further south at Col de Mouirange near Mt Dore and on Ile des Pin. There is a large gap between Mt Ouin and Sarraméa where no records appear, which reflects a lack collecting in both coastal lowlands and the ranges in this area.

Distribution within Province Nord: Recorded from the south of the Province (Néaoua) including ultramafic massifs in the region of Kouaoua), north along the central ranges (Forêt Plate and Mt Aoupinié) and ultramaffic massifs on the west coast (Koniambo; Boulinda; Kopéto) and adjacent west coast lowlands (Pindaï, Nekoro, Poidala near Kone).

Habitat:

The species occurs in humid forest and sclerophyll forest habitats over a broad altitudinal range, and maquis shrubland.

Threats:

• high level of threat to maquis shrubland through repeated firing resulting in a decline in quality of habitat.

• high level of threat to humid forest and sclerophyll forest populations with high infestation levels of introduced The Little Red Fire Ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) causing significant decline in abundance.

• moderate to high level of threat to remaining sclerophyll and low elevation humid forest fragments on the west coast from clearing for ranching or agriculture resulting in loss and further fragmentation of habitat.

• moderate to high level of threat to remaining sclerophyll and low elevation humid forest fragments on the west coast from browsing by feral animals and livestock resulting in further degradation and loss of habitat.

• moderate to high but localised level of threat to isolated high elevation humid forest and gully forests on ultramafics through loss or degradation of habitat from activities associated with mining.

• moderate to low level of threat to humid forest edge through repeated firing of adjacent savannah habitat resulting in a decline in area, extent and quality of habitat.

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

• localised but potentially intensive threat by collection for illegal trade at readily accessible sites.

Conservation Status:

Lower Risk - least concern

Eurydactylodes vieillardi occurs at 15+ locations across the entire length of the island, representing up to 10 subpopulations. Its distribution as it is known satisfies the criteria for a small distribution (area of occupancy <1,000 km2), but is likely to be recorded from additional locations with further survey work. Threats leading to a continuing decline in humid forest habitat have been identified; however, large areas of potentially suitable habitat subject only to minimal or no disturbance occur within the species range. For these reasons it is considered most appropriate to categorise Eurydactylodes vieillardi as Lower Risk - least concern. The species is not considered to be under any overall immediate threat, but sub-populations in some regions (particularly in the vicinity of mining activities) could be subject a suite of moderate to high localised threats.

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