About Rhynchoedura ornata Günther, 1867
Rhynchoedura ornata, commonly called the western beaked gecko, is a small nocturnal gecko. The maximum total length of the species is 95 millimetres, with a maximum snout-vent length of 50 mm. Individuals have a long slender tail, small slender clawed digits, and a narrow beak-like snout. This characteristic pinched head shape readily distinguishes the species from other geckos. The distinctive beak structure is formed by projections of the rostral and mental shields, and preanal pores are present. The upper body is reddish-brown to red, covered in tiny yellow, brown, and white spots. The head is light brown or grey, with a creamy or white stripe extending from below the eyes. The lower surface of the body is stark white. This gecko thermoregulates by moving between warmer and cooler positions. Females are often larger than males, and reach sexual maturity in less than one year. Early maturity allows for greater egg development, which increases offspring viability. Females produce two leathery eggs per clutch. Its favoured prey is termites. Individuals are occasionally found sheltering beneath shrubs, but most often shelter in abandoned burrows dug by spiders and other lizards. During their lifetime, individuals maintain a small home range of around 30 metres. This species is widespread and common across interior Australia, occurring in arid to semi-arid regions across a wide variety of habitats and soil types. Its recorded range includes New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia. It does not occur in southern coastal regions or the tropical north of Australia. In Western Australia, it is found in the northeastern part of Southwest Australia, with its range extending to the northern and northwest coasts. The species' type location is Nickol Bay. Habitats include sand hills and plains, and it is often associated with Triodia, as well as mallee and mulga country. Under Victorian wildlife legislation, the species is classified as endangered and listed as Schedule 4. Ownership requires an "advanced" license, and written notice must be provided for any transaction involving the species.
