Chau quang Bent-toed gecko – Cyrtodactylus chauquangensis – Quang, Orlov, Ananjeva, Johns, Ngoc Thao & Quang Vinh, 2007

Science name: Cyrtodactylus chauquangensis – Quang, Orlov, Ananjeva, Johns, Ngoc Thao & Quang Vinh, 2007

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

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

Description:

Physical characteristics:
This gecko is medium-sized, with a snout-vent length (SVL) ranging from 90.95 to 99.30 mm, and a tail length (TailL) of 96.96 to 108.31 mm, making the tail longer than the body.
The head is slightly flattened and wide, with a distinct neck, while the snout is also flattened. There are 9–10 supra-labials and 9–11 infra-labials, and the pupils are nearly undistinguishable in live individuals.
The body is slender with lateral folds, and the scales on the back are uniformly granular. It has 128–130 scale rows around the mid-body and 36–38 belly scales.
The coloration of the body includes a light brown back with 2–5 dark brown to black transverse bands, with clear, symmetrical dark spots on the head. The belly is light yellow, and the gecko has 6–7 femoral pores. The tail has ring-like dark bands alternating with lighter ones.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation: Found at an elevation of approximately 90 meters.
Area: Endemic to Vietnam, specifically in the karst limestone region of Châu Quang village, Quỳ Hợp district, Nghe An Province. It was first discovered in 2007 within the buffer zone of the Pù Huống Nature Reserve.
Habitat: Cyrtodactylus chauquangensis primarily inhabits limestone caves and rocky areas. The species is nocturnal, typically found clinging to rock walls and foraging at night.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle: This species is nocturnal and saxicolous, meaning it is primarily active at night and lives on rocky surfaces. It feeds on insects in its limestone cave habitat.
Reproduction: Cyrtodactylus chauquangensis is oviparous, laying two eggs in rock crevices at the start of the rainy season.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria: Least Concern (ver 3.1)
Justification: Despite its limited known range, this species is not currently facing major threats that could endanger its survival. However, habitat degradation in the form of limestone quarrying could be a potential concern.
Remarks:
The species was named after its type locality, Châu Quang village, where it was first discovered. This is a relatively recently described species, and much of its ecology and population status remain unknown.