Oedura rhombifer
Encyclopedia
Oedura rombifer also known as the Zigzag Velvet Gecko is a species of gecko
. Only 3 specimens have been discovered in New South Wales
, Australia
.
. Some species have been reported in the Alice Springs region. The Zigzag gecko prefers wooded habitats, and has been found under the bark of deteriorating trees, but has also been recorded in areas with rubbish or buildings. It is usually arboreal, but sometimes seeks shelter beneath ground litter.
, another in Bebo State Forest, and third specimen discovered in Arakoola Nature Reserve, south of Bebo.
The species is severely endangered, due to habitat loss from logging, and bush fires, predators such as foxes, and feral cats, and the nature of the isolation of the gecko's population, resulting in a lack of genetic variability. The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service report that the species is likely to become extinct, without intervention.
Gecko
Geckos are lizards belonging to the infraorder Gekkota, found in warm climates throughout the world. They range from 1.6 cm to 60 cm....
. Only 3 specimens have been discovered in New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
.
Description
The Zigzag Velvet Gecko can reach a length of 16 cm, and is brown on the back, and white or off-white below its sides. The limbs can be speckled, pale brown, or dark brown. The coloring makes it appear to have a zigzag edge on the sides, and tail.Geographic distribution
This species of gecko is found in northern Australia, in the Kimberley region, in Western Australia, and up to northern QueenslandQueensland
Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern section of the mainland continent. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean...
. Some species have been reported in the Alice Springs region. The Zigzag gecko prefers wooded habitats, and has been found under the bark of deteriorating trees, but has also been recorded in areas with rubbish or buildings. It is usually arboreal, but sometimes seeks shelter beneath ground litter.
Threats
The Zigzag Velvet Gecko is a rare species. Until 2002, no recent records existed. In 2002, one specimen was found near Warialda, New South WalesWarialda, New South Wales
Warialda is a town in the Northwest Slopes region of New South Wales, Australia, in Gwydir Shire. Situated on the banks of the Warialda Creek, the town’s name means “Place of Wild Honey.” At the 2006 census, Warialda had a population of 1,206.- Transport :...
, another in Bebo State Forest, and third specimen discovered in Arakoola Nature Reserve, south of Bebo.
The species is severely endangered, due to habitat loss from logging, and bush fires, predators such as foxes, and feral cats, and the nature of the isolation of the gecko's population, resulting in a lack of genetic variability. The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service report that the species is likely to become extinct, without intervention.