Con Dao round eyed gecko – Cnemaspis boulengeri – Strauch, 1887

Noi dung doan van ban cua ban 18 1 WANEE Go-WILD

Science name: Cnemaspis boulengeri – Strauch, 1887

Taxonomic:  Animalia>> Chordata>> Reptilia>> Squamata >> Gekkonidae >> boulengeri

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

Description:

Physical characteristics: The adult size reaches up to 69 mm in snout-vent length (SVL). The species has 8–10 supralabial scales and 6 or 7 infralabial scales. Dorsal scales are granular, and the ventral scales are smooth. The species also has 32–38 tubercles along the midline of the body, with a single tubercle at the base of the tail. Subdigital lamellae range from 25 to 32 under the fourth toe.
Coloration: The dorsal side is brown to light yellow with dark spots on the neck, sides of the neck, and shoulders. The vertebral column is marked by a row of light-colored elongated spots from the neck to the base of the tail. The ventral side is beige and unspotted.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation: Found at elevations ranging from 10 to 300 meters.
Area: Endemic to the Con Dao islands of Vietnam, with confirmed locations on Con Son, Hon Ba, Hon Bay Canh, Hon Cau, Tre Lon, Tre Nho, and Hon Tai.
Habitat: Cnemaspis boulengeri inhabits lowland forest habitats, rocky areas, caves, and granitic boulders. During the day, it can be found climbing on rocks and tree trunks, and at night it shelters in rock cracks and caves.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle: Cnemaspis boulengeri is diurnal, active during the day on boulders and tree trunks, and seeks shelter in caves and rock crevices at night.
Reproduction: Oviparous, with females laying two eggs in rock crevices or tree hollows at the beginning of the rainy season.
Activity patterns: Nocturnal sheltering in cracks and caves, with daytime foraging on rocks and trees.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria: Near Threatened
Threats: The species faces habitat degradation due to development on some islands. However, populations on smaller islands remain stable. Monitoring is recommended to assess future threats and population trends.

Hoang Quy

I love Vietnam's rich natural heritage and am dedicated to making a positive impact on wildlife conservation. As a wildlife guide, I specialize in birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and various insects, working passionately to explore and protect the diverse ecosystems of Vietnam.

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