Phong Dien Horned Lizard – Acanthosaura phongdienensis – Nguyen, Jin, Vo, Nguyen, Zhou, Che, Murphy & Zhang, 2019

Science name: Acanthosaura phongdienensis – Nguyen, Jin, Vo, Nguyen, Zhou, Che, Murphy & Zhang, 2019

Taxonomic:  Animalia>> Chordata>> Reptilia>> Squamata >> Agamidae >> phongdienensis

Species status: Endemic ; IUCN status: LC (Least Concern)

Description: Physical characteristics:
Medium-sized lizard. Adult males have a snout-vent length (SVL) of 73–77 mm, while females measure 59–65 mm. The tail is much longer than the body (SVL). The species has a continuous nuchal and dorsal crest, with small lateral scales intermixed with larger, keeled scales. The rostral scute is entire, and the tympanum is naked with a nuchal spine at the middle of the nuchal crest.

Distribution and habitat: Elevation: Found at approximately 197 meters in Phong Dien Nature Reserve, with other records from elevations as high as 1,019 meters.
Area: Endemic to central Vietnam, specifically Thua Thien-Hue province.
Habitat: Inhabits the forested regions of Phong Dien Nature Reserve, primarily in lowland and mid-elevation forests.

Behaviour and ecology: Lifestyle: The species is arboreal, likely spending much of its time in trees or shrubs. It may be insectivorous, feeding on small invertebrates like other species in the genus.
Generation length: Unknown.
Movement patterns: Non-migratory, resident species.
Congregatory behavior: No notable congregatory behavior is reported.

Conservation and status: Current conservation status: The conservation status has not been specifically assessed, but the species is known from a protected area (Phong Dien Nature Reserve).
Threats: As with many forest species, habitat degradation due to deforestation and human activities in its range could pose threats.
Protected areas: Found in Phong Dien Nature Reserve, which offers some protection for its habitat.