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Gecko Habitat Augmentation
2023 - 2025
Monitoring
Habitat Engineering
Data Collection
Protecting Barbados’ Critically Endangered Leaf-Toed Gecko Populations
Set within a degraded landscape in Christ Church, this project demonstrated how targeted habitat interventions can restore biodiversity. The project established 22 specialised habitat nodes, including “Gecko Hotels,” built from limestone rocks and concrete pavers to mimic the gecko’s natural crevices. Native vegetation plantings around the nodes attract insect prey and naturalise the landscape.
WIRRED implemented a monitoring program using night surveys and environmental data collection to track occupancy, behavior, and ecological interactions.
Project Area
Dry coastal grassland ecosystem, Paragon, Christ Church, Barbados
Intervention
22 habitat nodes, habitat connectivity corridors, and native vegetation planting
Intervention
Island-wide across Barbados
Intervention
22 habitat nodes, habitat connectivity corridors, and native vegetation planting
Target Species
Barbados Leaf-Toed Gecko
Climate Benefits
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Carbon sequestration
Supports microhabitats
for other species
Climate Benefits
Carbon sequestration
Supports microhabitats
for other species
Funders
Ministry of Environment and Natural Beautification
Challenge
The endangered Barbados Leaf-Toed Gecko faces habitat loss, invasive predators, and population isolation that threatens its survival
Solution
Habitat augmentation using replicable conservation techniques to create a Bio-Secure habitat network for Barbados Leaf-Toed Geckos
Outcome
Gecko habitat was expanded, and the project demonstrated a replicable approach to species-specific habitat restoration
Challenge
The endangered Barbados Leaf-Toed Gecko faces habitat loss, invasive predators, and population isolation that threatens its survival
Solution
Habitat augmentation using replicable conservation techniques to create a Bio-Secure habitat network for Barbados Leaf-Toed Geckos
Outcome
Gecko habitat was expanded, and the project demonstrated a replicable approach to species-specific habitat restoration
Landscape Context
The Gecko Habitat Augmentation Project takes place within degraded coastal landscapes in Christ Church, Barbados.
These dry coastal grassy clifftop ecosystems once provided limestone boulders, tree bark crevices, and other features essential for shelter, breeding and hunting for Leaf-Toed Geckos. Habitat loss has reduced the availability of these resources across the island.
WIRRED’s interventions create safe, replicable habitat nodes while improving conditions for nearby insects, skinks, and other native species.
Landscape Context
The Gecko Habitat Augmentation Project takes place within degraded coastal landscapes in Christ Church, Barbados.
These dry coastal grassy clifftop ecosystems once provided limestone boulders, tree bark crevices, and other features essential for shelter, breeding and hunting for Leaf-Toed Geckos. Habitat loss has reduced the availability of these resources across the island.
WIRRED’s interventions create safe, replicable habitat nodes while improving conditions for nearby insects, skinks, and other native species.
Landscape Context
The Gecko Habitat Augmentation Project takes place within degraded coastal landscapes in Christ Church, Barbados.
These dry coastal grassy clifftop ecosystems once provided limestone boulders, tree bark crevices, and other features essential for shelter, breeding and hunting for Leaf-Toed Geckos. Habitat loss has reduced the availability of these resources across the island.
WIRRED’s interventions create safe, replicable habitat nodes while improving conditions for nearby insects, skinks, and other native species.
The Impact
The Barbados Leaf-Toed Gecko faces critical threats from habitat loss, invasive predators including rats and cats, and its naturally limited range. Natural crevices in dry coastal forests have become fragmented or degraded, reducing opportunities for shelter and breeding. Without targeted conservation, the species remains vulnerable to further population decline in Barbados.
In response, 22 habitat nodes were constructed from limestone rock and concrete pavers, sited using pre installation activity surveys and spaced according to gecko territory size. Native vegetation corridors were planted between nodes to restore connectivity across the fragmented landscape.
habitat loss
invasive predators
species-specific
The Impact
The Barbados Leaf-Toed Gecko faces critical threats from habitat loss, invasive predators including rats and cats, and its naturally limited range. Natural crevices in dry coastal forests have become fragmented or degraded, reducing opportunities for shelter and breeding. Without targeted conservation, the species remains vulnerable to further population decline in Barbados.
In response, 22 habitat nodes were constructed from limestone rock and concrete pavers, sited using pre installation activity surveys and spaced according to gecko territory size. Native vegetation corridors were planted between nodes to restore connectivity across the fragmented landscape.
habitat loss
invasive predators
species-specific
Technical Expertise
Explore Our Work
WIRRED partners with landowners, organizations, and government agencies to design and implement projects that restore dunes, wetlands, and forests.
Explore our Work
WIRRED partners with landowners, organizations, and government agencies to design and implement projects that restore dunes, wetlands, and forests.
Explore our Work
WIRRED partners with landowners, organizations, and government agencies to design and implement projects that restore dunes, wetlands, and forests.
Explore our Work
WIRRED partners with landowners, organizations, and government agencies to design and implement projects that restore dunes, wetlands, and forests.
Partner with Us
WIRRED partners with land stewards, government agencies, and practitioners to regenerate coastal landscapes and restore degraded lands. Explore our approach or get in touch to start your regeneration project.
Partner with Us
WIRRED partners with land stewards, government agencies, and practitioners to regenerate coastal landscapes and restore degraded lands. Explore our approach or get in touch to start your regeneration project.
Partner with Us
WIRRED partners with land stewards, government agencies, and practitioners to regenerate coastal landscapes and restore degraded lands. Explore our approach or get in touch to start your regeneration project.
Walkers Institute for Regenerative Research Education and Design Inc.
PROJECTS
WIRRED is a registered non-profit organization under the Companies Act, Cap.308: Company No. 42861.
Nonprofit status: Registered under Charities Act, Cap 243: Registered Charities No. 1405
PROJECTS
WIRRED is a registered non-profit organization under the Companies Act, Cap.308: Company No. 42861.
Nonprofit status: Registered under Charities Act, Cap 243: Registered Charities No. 1405
WIRRED is a registered non-profit organization under the Companies Act, Cap.308: Company No. 42861.
Nonprofit status: Registered under Charities Act, Cap 243: Registered Charities No. 1405