TopFamily
Geckkonidae (geckos)
Genus
Diplodactylus
Species
vittatus
Threats/Control Methods - Regional
As with other lizards, loss of habitat is the most serious threat to the Stone Gecko. This includes farmers 'cleaning up' fallen timber, and the expansion of urban areas into habitat. The creation of nature reserves (eg. Goorooyaroo Nature Reserve) goes some way towards addressing this problem.
Threats/Control Methods - Local
Loss of habitat and domestic animals are threats to individual Stone Geckos.
Local/Urban Actions
Maintaining areas of rocks and dead timber in gardens can act as habitat for the lizard. Keeping cats inside at night should help to reduce the number of Stone Geckos killed.
Common name/s
Stone Gecko, Wood Gecko
Distinguishing Features
Diplodactylus vittatus is brown or grey above, with a pale cream to light brown stripe down the back. Small cream to light brown spots also feature on the back. Its underbelly is pale, typically white, in colour. The tail is short and thick. Stone geckos are quite small, with an average length, including tail, of around 6cm, although larger specimens are found up to 10cm.
Similar Species
The Marbled Gecko (Christinus marmoratus ) is has a somewhat similar appearance, but has a longer, skinnier tail, and its patterning tends to be blotchier than the distinct pale stripe of the Stone Gecko.
Distribution
The Stone Gecko has a widespread range extending from South Australia, through Victoria and New South Wales into south-eastern Queensland. It is not found in Tasmania or southern parts of Victoria. In the ACT, the Stone Gecko prefers the warmer areas, and is not usually found in the mountainous regions of the southern ACT.
Country of Origin
Australia
TopSurvey Techniques
Pitfall trapping is the most common method, although hand searching is also sometimes undertaken.
Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National
Not considered at risk
Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional
Uncommon. All species of reptiles are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1980.
LSCCES Population
Uncommon, but sometimes found in gardens abutting nature reserves.
Associated vegetation community
Found in a wide variety of habitats, from grasslands to wetter forests, but the species especially favours woodlands.
Limiting Resources
Suitable habitat is the main limiting factor for Stone Geckos around the ACT. Many former habitat areas have now been incorporated into suburban Canberra, although the reserves still provide havens for the lizard.
Breeding
The Stone Gecko lays two eggs annually.
Behaviour
The Stone Gecko is a terrestrial, nocturnal species. During the day, the geckos usually shelter under rocks and fallen timber.
Functional Group
Insectivore
Food Species
Eats a range of arthropods including the Huntsman spider.
Predators
Cats, either feral or domestic, are one of the main predators of Stone Geckos.
Interesting Fact
Geckos store energy in their tails. Their tails can be dropped when the lizard is threatened. A tailless gecko can run up to twice as fast. The tails grow back quickly, reaching near original size in around three months.
Geckos clean their eyes with their tongues.
They have a call that is used to communicate with other geckos or produced when threatened.
References - (reader suitability of references, P=Primary teachers, S=Secondary students, T=Tertiary students and researchers)
Books:
Bennett, R. 1997. Reptiles & Frogs of the Australian Capital Territory, National Parks Association of the ACT, Woden. P, S
Cogger, H.G. 1996. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia, Reed Books Australia, Melbourne.
Wilson, S. and Swan, G. 2003. A complete guide to Reptiles of Australia, Reed New Holland, Sydney. S, T
Researchers: Ian Rayner and Adam Houlden