Ecology and Conservation of the Christmas Island Giant Gecko

The Project

The Christmas Island giant gecko (Cyrtodactylus sadleiri) is the last remaining native and endemic lizard species found in the wild on Christmas Island. Little is known about its abundance, spatial distribution, habitat use, and interactions with invasive predators (wolf snakes) and competitors (Asian house geckos). The results from this study will provide a baseline assessment of the species and a detailed investigation of its ecology and will inform spatial targeting of forest management and other conservation actions.

This project aims to gather critical information about the Christmas Island giant gecko by assessing its population size and distribution through repeated on-ground surveys, identify critical habitat features, evaluate interactions with invasive predators (wolf snake, centipede, cats) and competitors (Asian house geckos), and determine its genetic diversity, and provide management recommendations.

This information will (i) provide conservation managers with a clear picture of the current condition of the Christmas Island giant gecko and enable them to protect and restore (if required) habitats vital to its conservation, (ii) support implementation of an appropriate monitoring program based on comprehensive baseline data, and (iii) determine the urgency of possible additional actions.

Scholarship Information

This scholarship includes a Research Training Program (RTP) Domestic Scholarship stipend of $35,411 per annum (2024 rate) tax-free for a full time on campus domestic student, paid in fortnightly instalments. Additional research funding will be available through NESP Resilient Landscape HUB project.

The scholarship is tenable for three years and six month (3.5) full-time for a doctoral degree. The duration of an Research Training Program (RTP) stipend scholarship cannot be extended and is subject to CPI% increase annually.

For more information regarding the Research Training Program (RTP) and the scholarship terms and conditions please visit the following website.

How to Apply

To apply for this scholarship, applicants must complete and submit a candidature and scholarship application. All required supporting documentation as mentioned in the application form including the following:

For more information on submitting a candidature application please see our web page on how to apply/enrol for candidature.

Enquiries: Dr Eric Nordberg - Eric.Nordberg@une.edu.au