New research recommends two little-known lizards in the Pilbara and Kimberley be classified as endangered

New research into two little-known reptiles in the Kimberley and Pilbara has led to a recommendation that both be classified as endangered.

Monash University’s project lead and honours graduate Robert Audcent conducted extensive studies into the Pilbara barking gecko, or underwoodisaurus seorsus, a species native to the Hamersley Range.

Only 55 sightings of the gecko had been recorded before the study, but the work discovered 10 new populations and 87 individuals, expanded understanding of the species’ distribution, and gained new insights into its habitat preferences and ecology.

Mr Audcent said the gecko’s preference towards mountainous environments was a vital clue in understanding its habits.

“The Pilbara region is expected to experience significant warming over the coming decades,” he said.

“Climate modelling predicts a major and imminent threat to the survival of the species.

“The cool refugial habitats that these geckos rely on are disappearing and our modelling suggests that almost all suitable habitat could be gone within the next few decades.”

The study was published in Pacific Conservation Biology and the study led to researchers recommending the species be listed as endangered under WA’s Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

Monash University’s Chapple Lab senior research officer Jules Farquhar said it was important to continue conservation work on Australia’s “data deficient” reptiles.

“Leaving unstudied species without protection risks silent extinctions and severe ecosystem imbalances,” Mr Farquhar said.

“Many of these species receive no scientific attention and are often assumed to be secure, yet this research shows that even a species previously regarded as being of ‘least concern’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature can face significant threats that only become apparent through targeted research.”

The Chapple Lab also recently conducted similar research on the Bungle Bungle robust slider, Lerista bunglebungle, a species only found in the Bungle Bungle ranges.

The research, also published in Pacific Conservation Biology, called for the species to be reclassified as endangered under the IUCN red list and listed on Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

The research identified 21 new individuals across eight sites. Before this, there were only three confirmed sightings of the Bungle Bungle robust slider since its discovery in 1989.