Ba Na Dwarf Gecko – Hemiphyllodactylus banaensis – Ngo Van Tri, Grismer, Thai & Wood, 2014

Science name: Hemiphyllodactylus banaensis – Ngo Van Tri, Grismer, Thai & Wood, 2014

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

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

Description:

Physical characteristics: Hemiphyllodactylus banaensis is a small gecko, with males reaching a maximum snout-vent length (SVL) of 48.2 mm and females 51.0 mm. It has 9–12 supralabial and infralabial scales, seven chin scales, and three circumnasal scales. Its dorsal scales are arranged in 18–20 rows at midbody, and the ventral scales are arranged in 9–12 rows. The gecko has 20–21 precloacal and femoral pore-bearing scales in males and 0–20 in females.
Coloration and Appearance: The dorsal pattern consists of transverse blotches and two whitish stripes across the shoulders extending to the sacrum. A whitish brown postsacral mark is present, and the caecum and oviducts are unpigmented.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation: Found at approximately 1,300 meters above sea level.
Area: Hemiphyllodactylus banaensis is only known from the Ba Na-Nui Chua Nature Reserve in Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City, Vietnam. It may also occur at the summit of Bach Ma National Park in Thua Thien Hue City, though this has not been confirmed.
Habitat: This species inhabits forested areas and has also been observed in artificial settings, such as on buildings near forest edges. It thrives in both natural and urban habitats with some native vegetation nearby.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle: Hemiphyllodactylus banaensis is nocturnal and saxicolous, meaning it prefers to live in rocky environments. It is often found on the walls of buildings or on tree trunks, typically 3–4 meters above the ground. Gravid females have been observed carrying two eggs.
Reproduction: The species is oviparous, laying eggs in suitable crevices. Males and females have distinct differences in the number of precloacal and femoral pore-bearing scales.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria: Listed as Least Concern due to the lack of known significant threats and its ability to adapt to both degraded and urban environments.
Threats: There are no significant threats currently identified for this species, but more research is needed to monitor population trends and distribution.
Conservation actions: The species is present in a protected area (Ba Na-Nui Chua Nature Reserve), which offers a level of protection. Further research into population status and trends is recommended.