Phong Nha-Ke Bang Bent-toed Gecko – Cyrtodactylus phongnhakebangensis – Ziegler, Rösler, Herrmann & Thanh, 2003

Science name: Cyrtodactylus phongnhakebangensis – Ziegler, Rösler, Herrmann & Thanh, 2003

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

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

Description: Physical characteristics:
Cyrtodactylus phongnhakebangensis is a medium to large gecko with males reaching a snout-vent length (SVL) of 83.6 to 92.5 mm and females reaching up to 100.6 mm. The tail length exceeds the body, reaching up to 108.3 mm in females.
The head is distinct from the neck, depressed, and elongated with a snout longer than the eye diameter. The body features small granular scales and 14–19 rows of conical tubercles on the back.
The ventral scales are smooth and overlap, arranged in 35–48 rows at midbody. The species lacks precloacal pores in females, while males may have 36–44 precloacal and femoral pores. The digits lack webbing, and the subcaudal scales are enlarged.
Coloration and Appearance:
Coloration:
The body is generally grayish-brown with dark brown blotches and five or six irregular transverse bands along the back, bordered by lighter-colored edges.
The head features dark brown blotches, with a prominent U-shaped dark brown stripe running from the eyes to the tympanum, forming a distinct nuchal loop around the neck.
The limbs and tail are similarly marked with dark brown bands. The ventral side is creamy white, without significant markings.

Distribution and habitat: Elevation: Found at elevations between 180 and 580 meters above sea level.
Area: Cyrtodactylus phongnhakebangensis is endemic to Vietnam and has been recorded in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, Quang Binh Province. It has also been reported in neighboring Laos.
Habitat: This species inhabits primary lowland limestone forests, where it lives on bare limestone outcrops, cliffs, and rocky areas. It is primarily saxicolous and nocturnal, typically found at heights between 1.5 to 4 meters on limestone surfaces.

Behaviour and ecology: Lifestyle: Cyrtodactylus phongnhakebangensis is a nocturnal species, active during the night on limestone cliffs and outcrops. During the day, it shelters in rock crevices.
Reproduction: The species is oviparous, laying two eggs per clutch in crevices or under rocks. The eggs are laid at the beginning of the rainy season, and incubation duration and temperature determine the sex of the offspring.
Diet: It primarily feeds on small arthropods, including insects such as isopods, spiders, crickets, and other small invertebrates found in the forest and rocky habitats.

Conservation and status: IUCN Red List Category and Criteria: Listed as Least Concern due to its relatively stable population and presence in a protected area.
Threats: While the population is currently stable, potential threats include habitat disturbance from human activity and deforestation, particularly in areas outside protected zones.