Cyrtodactylus badenensis is distinguished by the following morphological traits:
This medium-sized gecko exhibits minimal sexual dimorphism. Adults have a snout-vent length (SVL) of up to 81.1 mm, with a relatively stout body and moderately short limbs. The dorsal scales are keeled and arranged in 19–23 longitudinal rows of oblong tubercles, with 42–53 paravertebral tubercles. The ventral scales number 34–42 at midbody and are smooth. The tail is original with a median series of paired enlarged plates beneath. Coloration is typically grey or brown with irregular dark spots, providing camouflage against rocky surfaces. Juveniles resemble adults but may display more contrasting patterns.
C. badenensis is endemic to Ba Den Mountain (Núi Bà Đen) in Tay Ninh Province, southern Vietnam. Its distribution is restricted to deep rocky caves and karst formations within this isolated mountain, which reaches an elevation of 996 meters. The habitat consists of primary and secondary forests surrounding the caves, with high humidity and minimal light exposure. No populations are recorded outside this locality, making it a micro-endemic species highly vulnerable to habitat disturbances
Nocturnal and Cryptic: This gecko is primarily nocturnal, emerging at night to forage for insects and arthropods. It shelters during daylight in deep rock crevices or caves.
Diet: Insectivorous, likely feeding on ants, beetles, and spiders, though specific dietary studies are lacking.
Reproduction: Presumed oviparous (egg-laying), with clutch size and breeding season unrecorded. Other Cyrtodactylus species typically lay 1–2 eggs per clutch in moist crevices.
Anti-Predator Adaptations: Relies on camouflage and rapid retreat into rock fissures when threatened. Tail autotomy (self-amputation) is likely a defense mechanism
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