Division Overall Objective: To reduce the risk of - National Recovery Plan for Lister's Gecko (Lepidodactylus listeri) and the Christmas Island Blind Snake (Typhlops exocoeti) - Overall Objective: To reduce the risk of extinction of Lister’s Gecko and the Christmas Island Blind Snake and improve their conservation status in the long term. | Zoe
National Recovery Plan for Lister's Gecko (Lepidodactylus listeri) and the Christmas Island Blind Snake (Typhlops exocoeti)
Overall Objective: To reduce the risk ofOverall Objective: To reduce the risk of extinction of Lister’s Gecko and the Christmas Island Blind Snake and improve their conservation status in the long term.
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Overall Objective: To reduce the risk of extinction of Lister’s Gecko and the Christmas Island Blind Snake and improve their conservation status in the long term.
Specific Objectives: To determine the current status of Lister’s Gecko and the Christmas Island Blind Snake and to identify and moderate the causes of their apparent declines within 5 years, specifically to:
find both species in the wild;
determine the likelihood that one or more potential threats are threatening the survival of the species;
continue present abatement strategies, or develop and implement new strategies, for potential threats such as crazy ants, predators, habitat fragmentation and unintended invasive species introductions (quarantine effectiveness); and
obtaining, following rediscovery of either or both species, sufficient knowledge of the biology and ecology of, and threats to, these species to guide an effective management program for increasing their numbers and spatial distribution.
Recovery Actions
Action 1. Survey and monitor the endemic reptilian and other selected taxa of Christmas Island
Incorporate survey/monitoring for the Lister’s Gecko and Christmas Island Blind Snake into existing or new monitoring program covering other native reptiles, to determine their current status on Christmas Island. Integration will not only be a cost-effective way of monitoring qualitative changes in the distribution and relative abundance of the two targeted species, but will also identify changes in the status of other native species that can inform the recovery of the threatened species.
Where practicable Lister’s Gecko and the blind snake should be searched for in biodiversity field programs, but in addition a specific program should create fixed transects within the last-known areas from which they were recorded. The most appropriate technique given the habitat and geology, is for transects to include permanent drift fencing and closable pit traps. Surveys should be conducted at least 4 times each year for a minimum of 4 days/survey, during which pit traps should be left open and checked twice daily concurrent with a visual survey of all reptiles active in a zone 5m on either side of the drift fence. Sticky (or other) traps should also be used on selected trees during the survey period and monitored hourly during hours of darkness. If possible, a mark/recapture program should also be carried out in association to obtain baseline demographic information on the reptile species encountered. Materials and designs for the traps and fencing will need to be trialed to minimise the destructive predatory activities of Robber Crabs.
Action 2. Until Lister’s Gecko and the Christmas Island Blind Snake are rediscovered, have annual searches for both species
Until either or both species are found in the course of Action 1, at least annually for the first two years of the program conduct or commission specific surveys for Lister’s Gecko and the Christmas Island Blind Snake. Specialists in rainforest survey whose sole task is to conduct high intensity searches for these two species are required.
Action 3. Upon rediscovery of either or both species in the wild, conduct autecological studies to inform recovery actions
Obtain, through targeted field studies of each species, sufficient knowledge of their biology and ecology to guide an effective management program for increasing their numbers and spatial distribution.
Action 4. Identify the role of the introduced Wolf Snake as a potential threat to endemic reptiles
Continue current studies (by PAN) into the distribution, abundance and diet of the Wolf Snake, a potential serious predator on both native reptiles and mammals of Christmas Island, including the two threatened reptile species. If the Wolf Snake is found to be a significant predator on these or related native species, the feasibility of developing a Wolf Snake control program should be investigated and, if feasible, developed and implemented.
Action 5. Review and maintain existing control program for crazy ants
Review existing crazy ant control program to ensure it covers those areas that, on the basis of historical records, are likely to be primary habitat for Lister’s Gecko and the Christmas Island Blind Snake. The existing control program should be maintained, and investigations into alternative control measures continue.
However, if widespread aerial baiting using fipronil is to be resumed, associated with this program there should be toxicological testing on congeneric species of the two threatened species. (This has not been costed as part of the recovery plan)
Action 6. Identify the role of cats and rats as potential threats to endemic reptiles
Research the diets of feral cats and black rats, potentially serious predators on native reptiles, including the two threatened reptile species. If cats and/or rats are found to be a significant predator on these or related native species, the need for control programs should be investigated.
Action 7. Reassess conservation status in the absence of further records.
If Lister’s Gecko and/or the blind snake are not found within 2 years of implementing Actions 1 and 2, compile comprehensive information on the species to support reassessment of their conservation status under the EPBC Act. If either species is found, the information for reassessment of status should be compiled at the end of 5 years.
Action 8. Review quarantine protocols for all personnel and matériel entering Christmas Island
Through review and consultation involving AQIS, PAN, DOTARS and the Christmas Island community, where necessary quickly develop and implement stricter policies, guidelines and procedures to further minimise the potential introduction of new weeds, exotic animal species and pathogens to Christmas Island. Because oceanic islands with high levels of biotic endemicity are especially susceptible to rapid degradation by invasive species, quarantine policies and procedures should be at least as rigorous as those applying to people, livestock and goods entering continental Australia.