Research Project
Researchers: Eric Nordberg (Principal investigator, Principal or Chief Investigator) , Jon-Paul Emery (Principal investigator, Principal or Chief Investigator) , Nicholas Macgregor (Principal investigator, Principal or Chief Investigator)
Full description The Christmas Island giant gecko (Cyrtodactylus sadleiri) is the last remaining endemic reptile found in the wild on Christmas Island, out of the 5 species the island once held. Though the Christmas Island giant gecko was common until the 1970s, little is known about this severely imperilled species. The need to obtain more information on this species is urgent and vital for its survival. The threats presumed responsible for the collapse of other lizard populations are still present on Christmas Island (e.g. predation by invasive centipedes, wolf snakes and cats) and may cause a similar collapse of the Christmas Island giant gecko population. To effectively manage and conserve the Christmas Island giant gecko, this project will obtain up-to-date information on various aspects of the species, including its population abundance, density, spatial distribution, ecology, habitat preferences, predator interactions and genetic diversity. Collectively, this information will provide a comprehensive understanding of the species, which will aid in the development and implementation of effective conservation strategies to safeguard its survival. ### Key research areas To address the threats to the survival of the Christmas Island giant gecko, this project is: * assessing current population size and distribution of the giant gecko on Christmas Island * investigating the ecology and habitat preferences of the giant gecko * investigating the interactions between predators and giant geckos * developing and recommending an appropriate monitoring program based on comprehensive baseline data. ### Pathway to impact This project will help to secure the future of the Christmas Island giant gecko by: * establishing the first robust baseline of population size, distribution and habitat needs to guide conservation action * identifying key threats and priority areas for management and restoration * supporting long-term protection through a practical monitoring framework that detects changes early.
