Anchoring techniques for translocated Duvaucel's geckos (Hoplodactylus duvaucelii), and the use of cell-foam retreats by lizards and invertebrates : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Conservation Biology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
Loading...
Date
2015
DOI
Open Access Location
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Massey University
Rights
The Author
Abstract
Conservation management often requires translocations to isolated habitats, and determining the
success of such events is reliant on the use of effective post-translocation monitoring (PTM)
techniques. Many reptile populations are already difficult to monitor, and post-release dispersal
often increases this difficulty. Effective monitoring techniques for nocturnal, semi-arboreal, cryptic
lizards are consequently still lacking. Furthermore, very little research has been conducted on the
use of anchoring techniques for improving the PTM of lizards by reducing post-release dispersal
behaviour. In early 2013, two populations of Duvaucel’s geckos (Hoplodactylus duvaucelii) were
translocated to two offshore islands. This provided an excellent opportunity to investigate several
aspects relating to the improvement of PTM techniques for this species. I investigated whether two
anchoring techniques, i.e. temporary food provision and release into cell-foam retreats (CFRs), can
reduce post-release dispersal and encourage CFR usage. Further, I assessed the usefulness of CFRs
for the PTM of H. duvaucelii. Additionally, I investigated the usage of CFRs for a range of other lizard
species and invertebrates. My research provided evidence that both anchoring techniques can
improve the use of CFRs by H. duvaucelii in the short term. However, anchoring effects were not
maintained beyond two months after release. While anchoring treatments may have delayed postrelease
dispersal behaviour, they did not affect post-release dispersal distances. The study results
suggest that CFRs can be a useful PTM tool for H. duvaucelii, particularly shortly after translocation,
and also aid in the detection of young. In addition, I demonstrated that CFRs can detect a variety of
other lizard and invertebrate species. In conclusion, this research provides valuable information for
the improvement of monitoring techniques for cryptic, semi-arboreal lizards, also providing
evidence that CFRs can be useful tool for monitoring a range of lizards and invertebrates.
Description
Keywords
Wildlife relocation, New Zealand, Conservation management, Duvaucel's gecko, Hoplodactylus duvaucelii, Cell-foam retreats, Post-translocation monitoring, Gecko monitoring, Gecko habitat, Monitoring techniques