Gecko rescue mission saves dozens of endangered hatchlings

More than 100 endangered gecko eggs have been returned to Mauritius as part of a conservation effort led by Jersey Zoo - despite a new threat from invasive ants.

The lesser night gecko population was badly affected by an oil spill in 2020, prompting Jersey Zoo to send 142 eggs to Mauritius to help rebuild numbers.

However, conservationists discovered that big-headed ants were attacking some of the eggs being monitored. A quick response by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust saved many of them, with 91 eggs moved for daily checks.

Dr Nik Cole from Durrell said the team was surprised by the scale of the ant threat but their intervention prevented the loss of many hatchlings.

The successful rescue resulted in 68 young geckos being released into the wild on the Mauritian islet of Ilot Vacoas.

The Mauritius Island Restoration Programme, a partnership between Durrell, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation and the Mauritian government, will continue sending gecko eggs from Jersey Zoo as conservationists adapt their methods to improve survival rates.

Durrell said the first reintroduction project was a major success, with 88% of eggs hatching and joining the wild population.