Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation
Actions
Phyllurus gulbaru (Gulbaru gecko)
You are invited to provide your views about:
1)
the eligibility of Phyllurus gulbaru (Gulbaru gecko) for inclusion on the EPBC Act threatened
species list; and
2)
the necessary conservation actions for the above species.
The views of experts, stakeholders and the general public are welcome. Responses can be
provided by any interested person.
Anyone may nominate a native species, ecological community or threatening process for listing
under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) or for a
transfer of an item already on the list to a new listing category. The Threatened Species
Scientific Committee (the Committee) undertakes the assessment of species to determine
eligibility for inclusion in the list of threatened species and provides its recommendation to the
Australian Government Minister for the Environment.
Draft information for your consideration of the eligibility of this species for listing as critically
endangered starts at page 2 and information associated with potential conservation actions for
this species starts at page 7. To assist with the Committee’s assessment, the Committee has
identified a series of specific questions on which it seeks your guidance at page 8.
Responses to are to be provided in writing either by email to:
species.consultation@environment.gov.au
or by mail to:
The Director
Terrestrial Species Conservation Section
Wildlife, Heritage and Marine Division
Department of the Environment
PO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601
Responses are required to be submitted by 9 January 2015.
Contents of this information package
General background information about listing threatened species
Information about this consultation process
Draft information about the common name and its eligibility for listing
Conservation actions for the species
References cited
Collective list of questions – your views
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8
General background information about listing threatened species
The Australian Government helps protect species at risk of extinction by listing them as
threatened under Part 13 of the EPBC Act. Once listed under the EPBC Act, the species
becomes a Matter of National Environmental Significance (MNES) and must be protected from
significant impacts through the assessment and approval provisions of the EPBC Act. More
information about threatened species is available on the department’s website at:
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/index.html.
Public nominations to list threatened species under the EPBC Act are received annually by the
department. In order to determine if a species is eligible for listing as threatened under the
EPBC Act, the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (the Committee) undertakes a rigorous
scientific assessment of its status to determine if the species is eligible for listing against a set of
criteria. These criteria are available on the Department’s website at:
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/pubs/guidelines-species.pdf.
As part of the assessment process, the Committee consults with the public and stakeholders to
obtain specific details about the species, as well as advice on what conservation actions might
be appropriate. Information provided through the consultation process is considered by the
Committee in its assessment. The Committee provides its advice on the assessment (together
with comments received) to the Minister regarding the eligibility of the species for listing under a
particular category and what conservation actions might be appropriate. The Minister decides to
add, or not to add, the species to the list of threatened species under the EPBC Act. More
detailed information about the listing process is at:
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/nominations.html.
To promote the recovery of listed threatened species and ecological communities, conservation
advices and where required, recovery plans are made or adopted in accordance with Part 13 of
the EPBC Act. Conservation advices provide guidance at the time of listing on known threats
and priority recovery actions that can be undertaken at a local and regional level. Recovery
plans describe key threats and identify specific recovery actions that can be undertaken to
enable recovery activities to occur within a planned and logical national framework. Information
about recovery plans is available on the department’s website at:
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/recovery.html.
Information about this consultation process
Responses to this consultation can be provided electronically or in hard copy to the contact
addresses provided on Page 1. All responses received will be provided in full to the Committee
and then to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment.
In providing comments, please provide references to published data where possible. Should the
Committee use the information you provide in formulating its advice, the information will be
attributed to you and referenced as a ‘personal communication’ unless you provide references
or otherwise attribute this information (please specify if your organisation requires that this
information is attributed to your organisation instead of yourself). The final advice by the
Committee will be published on the department’s website following the listing decision by the
Minister.
Information provided through consultation may be subject to freedom of information legislation
and court processes. It is also important to note that under the EPBC Act, the deliberations and
recommendations of the Committee are confidential until the Minister has made a final decision
on the nomination, unless otherwise determined by the Minister.
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Phyllurus gulbaru
Gulbaru gecko
Taxonomy
Conventionally accepted as Phyllurus gulbaru (Hoskin et al., 2003).
Description
The Gulbaru gecko is a grey reptile growing to 18 cm with irregular dark blotches on head body
and limbs with a pair of large dark and white blotches immediately anterior to the tail base.
Blotches align across limbs and digits are strongly banded. Body and limbs are covered in small
granules intermixed with larger pale conical tubercules. The tail is long and cylindrical. The head
is large, triangular, distinct from neck; covered in very small granules with larger pale conical
tubercles at back and sides of head (Hoskin et al., 2003).
Distribution
The Gulbaru gecko is restricted to areas of rocky rainforest in Pattersons Gorge at the southern
end of the Paluma Range, 37 km west of Townsville, Queensland (Hoskin et al., 2003).
Patterson Gorge is located just south of the Wet Tropics UNESCO World Heritage site
boundary. The Gulbaru gecko was discovered in 2001. The species has only been found at two
sites despite extensive survey. The Gulbaru gecko is threatened by deliberate unmanaged
burning which continues to reduce the amount of suitable habitat available (Hoskin et al., 2003;
Hoskin, 2007).
Cultural Significance
It is unknown whether the species has cultural significance for indigenous groups within
Australia. ‘Gulbaru’ is the Aboriginal language name for the Paluma Range.
Relevant Biology/Ecology
The Gulbaru gecko is restricted to rocky rainforest in two isolated sub-populations. Within the
rainforest area, generally dominated by Hoop pines (Araucaria cunninghamii), the Gulbaru
gecko has only been found on the rocky slopes and gullies. The two sub-populations are
separated by an expanse of unsuitable habitat. All individuals have been found amongst
boulders and rock fissures in close proximity to a stream (Hoskin et al., 2003). This species
appears to be completely forest dependent (Cogger, 2010).
It is inferred that mating may occur at least until autumn and that females store sperm through
winter (Hoskin et al., 2003). Females lay two eggs, which develop slowly.
Threats
Current known threats to the Gulbaru gecko include unmanaged burning for the purposes of
grazing, causing the conversion of rainforest to Eucalyptus woodland leading to isolation of
small pockets of suitable habitat (Hoskin et al., 2003). The area of rainforest has been reduced
over recent times to increasingly isolated slopes and gullies. Late dry season fires that encroach
into the rainforest from nearby open forest and pastoral areas are of particular concern. Fires
are a natural part of the landscape in this region but intense and more frequent burning can chip
away at the rainforest edge. This has occurred over the last decade at one of the Gulbaru sites
(Hoskin, 2013). Fires are deliberately lit most years to burn up the slopes of the gorge in an
attempt to encourage grass growth for cattle and ‘remove the scrub’ (Hoskin, 2007).
Invasive grasses growing at the rainforest boundary provide a thick, highly flammable fuel load
that can exacerbate these effects. Restriction of the Gulbaru gecko to rocky areas such as gully
lines affords the species some protection from fire; but, it is dependent on surrounding rainforest
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vegetation which is vulnerable. Even small incursions from fire could further fragment
populations (Hoskin, 2013).
Climate change is a potential threat to the species, for example if it leads to drier conditions and
greater potential for fire. An unlikely but obvious direct threat to the species is quarrying, an
activity that doesn’t occur within the distribution but does occur nearby in the region (Hoskin,
2013).
Assessment of available information in relation to the EPBC Act Criteria and Regulations
Criterion 1: Reduction in numbers (based on any of A1 – A4)
A1. An observed, estimated, inferred or suspected population very severe 90%, severe 70%
substantial 50% size reduction over the last 10 years or three generations, whichever is
the longer, where the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND
ceased, based on (and specifying) any of the following:
(a) direct observation
(b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon
(c) a decline in area of occupancy, extent of occurrence and/or quality of habitat
(d) actual or potential levels of exploitation
(e) the effects of introduced taxa, hybridization, pathogens, pollutants, competitors or
parasites.
A2. An observed, estimated, inferred or suspected population very severe 80%, severe 50%
substantial 30%size reduction over the last 10 years or three generations, whichever is the
longer, where the reduction or its causes may not have ceased OR may not be understood
OR may not be reversible, based on (and specifying) any of (a) to (e) under A1.
A3. A population size reduction very severe 80%, severe 50% substantial 30%, projected or
suspected to be met within the next 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer
(up to a maximum of 100 years), based on (and specifying) any of (b) to (e) under A1.
A4. An observed, estimated, inferred, projected or suspected population size reduction very
severe 80%, severe 50% substantial 30%over any 10 year or three generation period,
whichever is longer (up to a maximum of 100 years in the future), where the time period
must include both the past and the future, and where the reduction or its causes may not
have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible, based on (and
specifying) any of (a) to (e) under A1.
Evidence
Not applicable: There are no data available to judge whether the species has undergone, is
suspected to have undergone or is likely to undergo a reduction in numbers. Therefore, as
the species has not been demonstrated to have met any of the elements of Criterion 1, it is
not eligible for listing in any category under this criterion.
However, the purpose of this consultation draft is to elicit additional information to better
understand the species status. This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative
at this stage, as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process.
Criterion 2:
Geographic distribution (based on either of B1 or B2)
B1. Extent of occurrence estimated to be very restricted <100 km2, restricted <5000 km2 or
limited < 20 000 km2
B2. Area of occupancy estimated to be very restricted <10 km2, restricted <500 km2 or
limited <2000 km2
AND
Geographic distribution is precarious for the survival of the species,
(based on at least two of a–c)
a. Severely fragmented or known to exist at a limited location.
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b. Continuing decline, observed, inferred or projected, in any of the following:
(i)
extent of occurrence
(ii) area of occupancy
(iii) area, extent and/or quality of habitat
(iv) number of locations or subpopulations
(v) number of mature individuals.
c. Extreme fluctuations in any of the following:
(i)
extent of occurrence
(ii) area of occupancy
(iii) number of locations or subpopulations
(iv) number of mature individuals
Evidence
The extent of occurrence is estimated to be 23 km2 and area of occupancy estimated to be
14 km2 (Hoskin et al., 2003). Consequently, the geographic distribution is very restricted.
The geographic distribution is fragmented and known to exist at a limited location, restricted to
areas of rocky rainforest in Pattersons Gorge (Hoskin et al., 2003).
The species has only been found at two sites despite extensive survey. Considerable effort
has been invested by experienced herpetologists in surveying suitable habitat in the
surrounding area (Hoskin et al., 2003). Intensive surveys of the ranges to the north and south
of the area have been undertaken by suitably qualified personnel have failed to find this
species. Surveys have been undertaken in a variety of rainforest and open forest habitats
(Hoskin, 2007).
The two subpopulations are separated by an expanse of unsuitable habitat. One subpopulation
is very small located on the southern wall of the gorge and a larger subpopulation on the
northern wall of the gorge, in the vicinity of Mt. Cataract (Hoskin, 2007). The larger area of
suitable habitat is approximately 10 km2 the other patch is approximately 4 km2. In the larger
patch the gecko is reasonably common, in the smaller patch it is rare (Hoskin, 2013). It is
estimated that 95% of the individuals are in the major subpopulation along the northern wall of
Pattersons Gorge (Hoskin, 2007).
The population size is estimated from the area of suitable habitat and observed densities, an
estimate of 2000 individuals (Hoskin, 2007).
The species is restricted to a very small area and continued reduction and fragmentation of this
range by fire is undoubtedly having a serious impact (Hoskin, 2007).
It can be inferred that the area, extent and quality of habitat, subpopulations and number of
individuals is expected to further decline as a result of threats (e.g. unmanaged burning for the
purposes of grazing) and potential threats from climate change and possibly quarrying (an
activity that occurs in the region, though not currently within the distribution) (Hoskin, 2013)
have not ceased.
The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as
critically endangered under this criterion. However, the purpose of this consultation advice is
to elicit additional information to better understand the species’ status. This conclusion should
therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage, as it may be changed as a result of
responses to this consultation process.
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Criterion 3: The estimated total number of mature individuals is very low <250, low <2500 or
limited<10 000; and either of (A) or (B) is true
(A)
evidence suggests that the number will continue to decline at a very high (25% in 3 years
or 1 generation (up to 100 years), whichever is longer), high (20% in 5 years or 2
generations (up to 100 years), whichever is longer) or substantial (10% in 10 years or 3
generations years), whichever is longer (up to 100) rate; or
(B)
the number is likely to continue to decline and its geographic distribution is precarious for
its survival (based on at least two of a – c):
a. Severely fragmented or known to exist at a limited location.
b. Continuing decline, observed, inferred or projected, in any of the following:
(i) extent of occurrence
(ii) area of occupancy
(iii) area, extent and/or quality of habitat
(iv) number of locations or subpopulations
(v) number of mature individuals.
c.
Extreme fluctuations in any of the following:
(i) extent of occurrence
(ii) area of occupancy
(iii) number of locations or subpopulations
(iv) number of mature individuals
Evidence
The population size is estimated from the area of suitable habitat and observed densities, an
estimate of 2000 individuals (Hoskin, 2007) which is low (<2500 mature individuals).
The geographic distribution is fragmented and known to exist at a limited location. As
described for criterion 2 it can be inferred that the area, extent and quality of habitat is
expected to further decline as a result of threats (e.g. unmanaged burning for the purposes of
grazing) and potential threats from climate change and quarrying have not ceased (Hoskin,
2013).
The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as
endangered under this criterion. However, the purpose of this consultation is to elicit additional
information to better understand the species’ status. This conclusion should therefore be
considered to be tentative at this stage, as it may be changed as a result of responses to this
consultation process.
Criterion 4: Estimated total number of mature individuals:
(a) Extremely low < 50
(b) Very low < 250
(c) Low < 1000
Evidence
Not applicable: The population has been estimated to be 2000 individuals. Therefore, as the
species has not been demonstrated to have met any of the elements of Criterion 4, it is not
eligible for listing in any category under this criterion.
However, the purpose of this consultation draft is to elicit additional information to better
understand the species status. This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative
at this stage, as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process.
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Criterion 5: Probability of extinction in the wild based on quantitative analysis is at least:
(a) 50% in the immediate future, 10 years or three generations (whichever is longer); or
(b) 20% in the near future, 20 year or five generations (whichever is longer); or
(c) 10% in the medium-term future, within 100 years.
Evidence
No evidence. Population viability analysis has not been undertaken. The species therefore
appears to be ineligible for listing under this criterion.
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Recovery Plan
A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been
determined. The purpose of this consultation draft is to elicit additional information to help inform
this decision.
Recovery and Impact avoidance guidance
Primary Conservation Objectives
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Increase the number and size of wild populations
Maintain and enhance valued habitat
Enable recovery of additional sites and/or populations
Investigate options for linking, enhancing or establishing additional populations
Raise awareness of the Gulbaru gecko within the local community
Effectively administer the recovery effort
Important populations
This species is currently only known from two sites in the Paluma Range area of north
Queensland. Every population the Gulbaru gecko is considered important.
Important habitat for the survival of the species
Boulders and rock fissures in close proximity to a stream surrounded by rainforest appears to be
important habitat for this species.
Information required, research and monitoring priorities
1.
Design and implement a monitoring program of the known occurrences of the species
2.
More precisely assess population size, distribution, ecological requirements and the relative
impacts of threatening processes
3.
Undertake survey work in suitable habitat and potential habitat to locate any additional
populations
4.
Investigate causes of low breeding success in captivity
5.
Undertake research on breeding cycles and other aspects of biology
6.
Undertake genetic analyses to:
o assess current gene flow (using markers and analyses capable of distinguishing
population divergence on an evolutionary timescale, from that which might be
due to more recent impacts); and
o identify populations with low genetic diversity that might benefit from artificial
introduction of genetic material from other populations from which they have
relatively recently diverged.
Management actions required
1.
Implement an appropriate fire management regime for protecting key habitat
2.
Ensure land owners/managers use appropriate fire management regimes to prevent
conversion of rainforest to Eucalyptus woodland and prevent destruction of suitable habitat
3.
Control and reduce the spread of invasive grasses growing at the rainforest boundary that
provide a thick, highly flammable fuel load that can exacerbate fire effects
4.
Protect and rehabilitate rainforest vegetation, particularly areas recently affected by
unmanaged burning
5.
Manage the populations to maintain genetic diversity
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6.
Monitor populations to identify key threats
7.
Investigate formal conservation arrangements such as the use of covenants,
conservation agreements or inclusion in reserve tenure
8.
Monitor the progress of recovery, including the effectiveness of management actions and
the need to adapt them if necessary.
Collective list of questions – your views
Biological information
1. Can you provide any additional or alternative references, information or estimates on
longevity, average life span and generation length?
Population size
2. Do you consider the way the population size has been derived to be appropriate? Are there
any assumptions and unquantified biases in the estimates? Did the estimates measure
relative or absolute abundance? Do you accept the estimate of the total population size of
the species? If not, can you provide an estimate of the current population size of mature
adults of this species (national extent)? Please provide supporting justification or other
information.
If, because of uncertainty, you are unable to provide a single number, you may wish to
provide an estimated range. If so, please choose one of the ranges suggested in the table
below of possible species numbers, and also choose the level of confidence you have in
this estimate:
Number of mature individuals is estimated to be in the range of:
□ 1–50
□ 51–250 □ 251–1000 □ >1000 □ >10 000
Level of your confidence in this estimated decline:
□ 0–30% - low level of certainty/ a bit of a guess/ not much information to go on
□ 31–50% - more than a guess, some level of supporting evidence
□ 51–95% - reasonably certain, information suggests this range
□ 95–100% -high level of certainty, information indicates quantity within this range
□ 99–100% - very high level of certainty, data are accurate within this range
Evidence of total population size change
3. Please provide (if known) any additional evidence which shows the population is stable,
increasing or declining.
Current Distribution/range/extent of occurrence, area of occupancy
4. Is this species specifically rainforest dependent?
5.
Has the survey effort for this species been adequate to determine its national distribution? If
not, please provide justification for your response.
6.
Do you consider that the way the current extent of occurrence and/or area of occupancy
has been estimated is appropriate? Please provide justification for your response.
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Can you provide estimates (or if you disagree with the estimates provided, alternative
estimates) of the extent of occurrence and/or area of occupancy.
If, because of uncertainty, you are unable to provide an estimate of extent of occurrence,
you may wish to provide an estimated range. If so, please choose one of the ranges
suggested in the table below of ranges of extent of occurrence, and also choose the level of
confidence you have in this estimated range.
Extent of occurrence is estimated to be in the range of:
□ <100 km
2
□ 100 – 5 000 km □ 5 001 – 20 000 km
2
2
□ >20 000 km
2
Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence
□ 0–30% - low level of certainty/ a bit of a guess/ not much data to go on
□ 31–50% - more than a guess, some level of supporting evidence
□ 51–95% - reasonably certain, data suggests this range of decline
□ 95–100% -high level of certainty, data indicates a decline within this range
□ 99–100% - very high level of certainty, data is accurate within this range
If, because of uncertainty, you are unable to provide an estimate of area of occupancy, you
may wish to provide an estimated range. If so, please choose one of the ranges suggested
in the table below of ranges of area of occupancy, and also choose the level of confidence
you have in this estimated range.
Area of occupancy is estimated to be in the range of:
□ <10 km
2
□ 11 – 500 km
2
□ 501 – 2000 km □ >2000 km
2
2
Level of your confidence in this estimated extent of occurrence:
□ 0–30% - low level of certainty/ a bit of a guess/ not much data to go on
□ 31–50% - more than a guess, some level of supporting evidence
□ 51–95% - reasonably certain, data suggests this range of decline
□ 95–100% -high level of certainty, data indicates a decline within this range
□ 99–100% - very high level of certainty, data is accurate within this range
Threats
7.
Do you agree that the threats listed are correct and that their effect on the species is
significant?
8.
To what degree are the identified threats likely to impact on the species in the future?
Management
9.
What planning, management and recovery actions are currently in place supporting
protection and recovery of the species? To what extent have they been effective?
10.
Can you recommend any additional or alternative specific threat abatement or
conservation actions that would aid the protection and recovery of the species?
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11.
What individuals or organisations are currently, or potentially could be, involved in
management and recovery of the species?
12.
What is the current land tenure of the known distribution?
General
13. Can you provide additional data or information relevant to this assessment?
14.
Have you been involved in developing this nomination?
References cited in the advice
Cogger, H.G. (2010). Phyllurus gulbaru. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version
2014.1. Available on the internet at: www.iucnredlist.org. Downloaded on 08 July 2014.
Hoskin, C. J., Couper, P. J. and C. J. Schneider (2003). A new species of Phyllurus (Lacertilia :
Gekkondidae) and a revised phylogeny and key for the Australian leaf-tailed geckos,
Australian Journal of Zoology, 51: 153-164.
Hoskin, C. (2007). Nomination to list Phyllurus gulbaru as Endangered under the Nature
Conservation Act 1992. Queensland Government.
Hoskin, C. (2013). Australian endangered species: Gulbaru Gecko. Article in The Conservation
22 August 2013. Available on the internet at:
http://theconversation.com/australian-endangered-species-gulbaru-gecko-17219
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