Black-eyed geckos (Hoplodactylus kahutarae) on Mt Arthur, Kahurangi National Park
نویسنده
چکیده
The black-eyed gecko (Hoplodactylus kahutarae Whitaker 1984), of eastern Marlborough, is arguably NZ's only alpine lizard, inhabiting cliffs and bluffs between 1,250 and 2,200 m asl. In January 1998 a black-eyed gecko was discovered at Eyles Creek on Mt Arthur, Kahurangi National Park, 120 km northwest of its previously known range. A follow up survey in March revealed that population density at the locality is comparable to that at the highest density sites on the Seaward Kaikoura Range. Structurally the habitat on Mt Arthur (deeply creviced bluffs and cliffs) is very similar to that at previous sites but the lithology is markedly different (marble cf. greywacke) and represents a significant extension to the habitat definition. Morphometric and genetic data from two specimens captured on Mt Arthur show minor differences from geckos from eastern Marlborough but the very small sample sizes limit interpretation. At this stage specific separation can not be justified. The discovery of black-eyed geckos on Mt Arthur, and the different habitats they occupy, opens the possibility that they could occur on any South Island mountaintop. Distribution of potential habitat in north-west Nelson indicates they could occur throughout that region. There are no apparent threats to the gecko population. These factors combine to improve their conservation status but not sufficiently at this stage to warrant changing their DOC conservation priority ranking nor the IUCN ` Red List' classification. Recommendations include surveys on Mt Arthur for black-eyed geckos and ` forest geckos', the collection of more black-eyed gecko material for taxonomic and genetic research, and searches for black-eyed geckos in inland Marlborough and midto south Canterbury.
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تاریخ انتشار 2008