Ba Den Bent-toed Gecko – Cyrtodactylus badenensis – Sang, Orlov & Darevsky, 2006

Science name: Cyrtodactylus badenensis – Sang, Orlov & Darevsky, 2006

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

Species status: Endemic ; IUCN status: VU (Vunerable)

Description:

Physical characteristics:
Cyrtodactylus badenensis is a medium-sized gecko with a snout-vent length (SVL) ranging from 66.3 mm to 74.1 mm. Its head is slightly flattened, with large round eyes.
The species exhibits 8–10 lower labials and 10–13 upper labials. It has 2 internasal scales, 25–28 rows of ventral scales across the belly, and 18–22 subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe of the hind limb. The scales on the body and tail are arranged in rings and are not expanded at the base of the tail.
Coloration: The dorsal side of the body is dark brown with 7 to 10 irregular white bands running across the back and tail. The head is yellowish-brown, and the belly is white. The species has 5–8 large femoral scales on the thighs, and no femoral pores.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation: Found at elevations ranging from 50 to 510 meters.
Area: Endemic to southern Vietnam, Cyrtodactylus badenensis is known only from the Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh Province. The mountain itself reaches a maximum elevation of 986 meters.
Habitat: This species is nocturnal and saxicolous (rock-dwelling), typically inhabiting steep granite slopes and caves. It is restricted to rocky landscapes, particularly caves and the surrounding rocky areas.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle: Cyrtodactylus badenensis is primarily nocturnal, foraging at night near the entrances of caves. During the dry season, the species retreats into deeper parts of caves.
Reproduction: This species is oviparous (egg-laying), although specific reproductive behaviors are not well documented.
Diet: It feeds on small insects and other invertebrates found within its habitat.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria: Vulnerable (D2)
Threats: The species faces threats from habitat degradation due to quarrying and ongoing tourist development in the Ba Den Mountain area. Although these activities currently do not pose an immediate threat, they have the potential to escalate and significantly reduce the species’ habitat in the future.
Remarks:
Cyrtodactylus badenensis was first described in 2006 from specimens collected in Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam, and the species’ name is derived from its type locality.