Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00287:reg:3:p132
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2025L00287
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 3 (pt 132/276)
Character Range: 520436–524593

geckos make only relatively short journeys onto bare ground from the cover of edge vegetation or rock screes.

Threats
The presence of rats and cats on Norfolk Island probably prevents this species from establishing there. The main threats are the introduction of predators (such as rats and cats) or competitors such as the Asian house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) to Phillip and Nepean Islands, and degradation and loss of habitat on those islands.

Impact on other species
None known.

Risk assessment
The risk assessment is shown in Table 43.
Table 43 Risk assessment for Christinus guentheri
Risk                                                                                                               Likelihood of exposure    Consequence  Threat rating
1. Loss and fragmentation of native vegetation through past land clearing                                          Almost certain (91–100%)  Minor        Medium
2. Loss and fragmentation of native vegetation through current or future land clearing                             Rare (0–10%)              Negligible   Negligible
3. Degradation of native vegetation through past grazing or loss of nutrients                                      Almost certain (91–100%)  Negligible   Negligible
4. Degradation of native vegetation through current or future grazing                                              Rare (0–10%)              Negligible   Negligible
6. Predation by rodents                                                                                            Rare (0–10%)              Negligible   Negligible
7. Predation by cats                                                                                               Rare (0–10%)              Minor        Negligible
8. Predation or damage by chickens                                                                                 Rare (0–10%)              Negligible   Negligible
9. Predation by swamphens                                                                                          Possible (26–50%)         Negligible   Negligible
10. Predation by Argentine ant                                                                                     Rare (0–10%)              Major        Low
11. Competition from/change of habitat because of weed invasion                                                    Almost certain (91–100%)  Negligible   Negligible
12. Infection by pathogens already present                                                                         Rare (0–10%)              Negligible   Negligible
13. Impacts of potential new invasive species or pathogens a                                                       Rare (0–10%)              Extreme      Medium
14. Changes to vegetation, increased fire risk and/or direct physiological stress as a result of climatic changes  Almost certain (91–100%)  Minor        Medium
15. Problems caused by small populations, including lack of genetic diversity                                      Rare (0–10%)              Minor        Negligible

a Assessment is of risk of potential new species reaching Phillip Island.

Management actions
Continue weed control and habitat restoration work on Phillip Island, particularly removal of African olive and re-establishing stands of white oak; and establish effective quarantine protocols for Phillip Island. If rats and cats can be controlled on Norfolk Island, it may be possible to re-establish a population there. Develop captive breeding protocols for the species so that the necessary procedures are in place if a translocation to another island is required in the future. Identify other islands where the Norfolk Island reptiles could be translocated to provide an insurance population.

The Lord Howe Island Biodiversity Management Plan covers the recovery needs of this species across its range outside of Norfolk Island. Possible future actions (such as captive breeding and translocation) may need to be undertaken in collaboration with the NSW Government as appropriate.

Recovery target
The recovery target is shown in Table 44.
Table 44 Recovery target for Christinus guentheri
EPBC Act