Bu Gia Map Bent–toed Gecko – Cyrtodactylus bugiamapensis – Nazarov, Poyarkov, Orlov, Phung, Nguyen, Hoang & Ziegler, 2012

Science name: Cyrtodactylus bugiamapensis – Nazarov, Poyarkov, Orlov, Phung, Nguyen, Hoang & Ziegler, 2012

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

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

Description:

Physical characteristics:
This is a medium-sized gecko species with a snout-vent length (SVL) ranging from 58.6 to 76.8 mm, and a tail length of 65.3 to 85.0 mm. The body is slender, with moderately long limbs and digits. The tail is relatively thin and longer than the body.
The dorsal coloration ranges from light yellow to light brown, with irregular dark brown spots forming indistinct transverse bands across the back. These bands are bordered by white. The head is marked with irregular dark spots, and a narrow U-shaped dark band extends from the neck towards the ears and eyes. The tail is marked with 8–11 dark transverse bands, which fade towards the ventral side.
The species has large, keeled dorsal tubercles arranged in 20–24 irregular longitudinal rows. It also has weakly developed lateral folds and 36–46 ventral scales between the lateral folds. Males possess 7–11 precloacal pores in a V-shaped series but lack femoral pores. The subcaudal scales are uniform and larger than the lateral caudal scales.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation: Found at an elevation of approximately 354 meters.
Area: This species is endemic to southern Vietnam, specifically recorded in Bu Gia Map National Park, Binh Phuoc Province. There is uncertainty about its presence in Cambodia.
Habitat: Cyrtodactylus bugiamapensis inhabits tropical monsoon forests, often near streams. It is nocturnal and primarily active at night, found on tree trunks and forest floors, particularly in areas near water sources.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle: Cyrtodactylus bugiamapensis is nocturnal, often found near stream banks and on the trunks of large trees. It feeds on insects found within its habitat.
Reproduction: This species is oviparous, laying two eggs in tree crevices or bark cracks at the start of the rainy season.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria: Least Concern (ver 3.1)
Justification: Although it has a relatively limited range, the species is stable, and there are currently no significant threats to its population. It is found within protected areas, such as Bu Gia Map National Park.
Remarks:
Cyrtodactylus bugiamapensis was named after the Bu Gia Map National Park, where it was first discovered. This species is distinguished from other members of the Cyrtodactylus genus by its dorsal coloration, absence of femoral pores, and specific scale and tubercle arrangements.