Cattien Bent-toed Gecko – Cyrtodactylus cattienensis – Geissler, Nazarov, Orlov, Böhme, Phung, Nguyen & Ziegler, 2009

Science name: Cyrtodactylus cattienensis – Geissler, Nazarov, Orlov, Böhme, Phung, Nguyen & Ziegler, 2009

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

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

Description:

Physical characteristics:
Cyrtodactylus cattienensis is a small, slender gecko with a maximum snout-vent length (SVL) of 69 mm. The body is round in cross-section and not depressed.
The species has 16–22 longitudinal rows of dorsal tubercles, with the ventral scales arranged in 28–42 rows at midbody. There are tubercles on the head, body, limbs, and tail, though the lateral folds are weakly developed or absent and lack enlarged tubercles.
The base of the tail has scales arranged in whorls, and both males and females exhibit two or three postcloacal spurs. Precloacal pores number 6–8 in males, arranged in an angular row, while slightly enlarged femoral scales (3–8 per hindlimb) are present in both sexes. The species lacks femoral pores and a precloacal groove.
Subcaudal scales are not enlarged, and the fourth toe has 14–19 subdigital lamellae.
Coloration and Appearance:
The gecko’s body is adorned with irregularly shaped dark bands, with 4–6 bands on the trunk and 4–12 across the tail. A black stripe extends from the neck band to the posterior margin of the eye, adding to its distinctive patterning.
The coloration is typically dark brown or grayish with lighter bands and spots across the body and tail, making it well-camouflaged against the forest floor and rocky habitats where it is found.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation: Found at elevations of around 120 meters above sea level.
Area: Endemic to southern Vietnam, Cyrtodactylus cattienensis is known from Cat Tien National Park in Dong Nai Province, as well as Nui Dinh and Binh Chau-Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, and Ta Kou Nature Reserve in Binh Thuan Province. It has also been recorded in Vinh Cuu Nature Reserve, Tan Phu, and Ba Ra in Binh Phuoc Province.
Habitat: This species inhabits lowland moist forests and shrubland areas, typically found in association with large rocks (both granitic and volcanic) within these forested environments.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle: Cyrtodactylus cattienensis is a nocturnal species, commonly found hiding in rock crevices or under leaf litter during the day and emerging at night to hunt for food.
Reproduction: This species is oviparous, laying 2–4 eggs in tree hollows or rock crevices during the early rainy season.
Diet: It feeds primarily on small insects found in its habitat.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria: Listed as Least Concern due to its adaptability, moderate commonness, and the absence of major threats at present.
Threats: While the species’ habitat is affected by the continuing decline in the area, extent, and quality due to deforestation and habitat alteration, it is not considered to be under immediate threat of extinction.
Remarks:
Cyrtodactylus cattienensis was first discovered and described in 2009 from Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam, which is reflected in its name.