This species is now known as the Eastern Fat-tailed Gecko, Diplodactylus platyurus. This Determination should be read in conjunction with the 2016 Minor Amendment Determination.
NSW Scientific Committee - final determination
The Scientific Committee has found that:
1. Diplodactylus conspicillatus the Fat-tailed Diplodactylus is a pale fawn to reddish-brown or dark brown gecko, with fine or coarse reticulations and scattered dark or pale spots (Cogger 2000). Individuals reach approximately 80-90mm in length.
2. The Fat-tailed Diplodactylus is distributed from the north coast of Western Australia, through the Northern Territory and interior of South Australia and Queensland, to north-western New South Wales (NSW). In NSW, the species is known from a small number of specimens detected at three locations: Sturt National Park, Nocoleche Nature Reserve and Wanaaring Nature Reserve and a single record from Mutawintji National Park.
3. During annual surveys of Sturt National Park conducted by the Australian Herpetological Society and Australian Museum between 1997 and 2000, only one individual was recorded. Moreover, despite five separate surveys of Mutawintji National Park undertaken by the Australian Herpetological Society and the South Australian Herpetology Group between 1994 and 1996, the species was not detected.
4. Habitat constraints of the Fat-tailed Diplodactylus are unknown, although the species' rarity suggests that it is highly specialised in its use of habitat. The recent record collected from Sturt National Park was from riverine habitat (R.A. Sadlier, pers. comm.). It is also known to shelter in vertical spider burrows and cracks in the ground.
5. The status of Fat-tailed Diplodactylus populations within conservation areas is unknown and presence within conservation reserves may not ensure the species' survival in NSW. The habitat of individuals that potentially occur outside conservation areas are threatened by land use. Trampling by livestock, especially where stock aggregate close to waterways, disturbs soil structure and litter cover.
6. In view of the above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that the Fat-tailed Diplodactylus, Diplodactylus conspicillatus Lucas and Frost (1897) is likely to become extinct in nature in NSW unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival or evolutionary development cease to operate.
Proposed Gazettal date: 23/08/02
Exhibition period: 23/08/02 - 27/09/02
References
Cogger, H.G. (2000). 'Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia.' (Reed New Holland: Sydney)