Gialai Bent–toed Gecko – Cyrtodactylus gialaiensis – Luu, Dung, Nguyen, Le & Ziegler, 2017

Science name: Cyrtodactylus gialaiensis – Luu, Dung, Nguyen, Le & Ziegler, 2017

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

Species status: Endemic ; IUCN status: CR (Critically Endangered Species)

Description:

Physical characteristics:

Cyrtodactylus gialaiensis is a small gecko with a maximum snout-vent length (SVL) of 62.8 mm.
It features six or seven dark transverse bands between the limbs on its dorsal side. The dorsal tubercles are arranged in 16–21 irregular rows at midbody and are strongly developed along the flanks.
The gecko has poorly defined lateral folds with interspersed tubercles and 38–45 ventral scales between the ventrolateral folds.
Males possess nine or ten precloacal pores arranged in a continuous row, while females have eight pitted scales. The species lacks femoral pores, although enlarged femoral scales are present.
There are two or three postcloacal tubercles, and dorsal tubercles are present along the first half of the tail. The subcaudal scales are not enlarged.
Coloration and Appearance:

The gecko’s body exhibits a pattern of six or seven dark transverse bands on a light background. These bands are prominent between the limbs and are part of the gecko’s distinctive patterning.
The tail is similarly banded, with dark and light rings alternating along its length, and the dorsal tubercles on the tail provide a textured appearance.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation: Found at an elevation of 607 meters above sea level.
Area: Endemic to Vietnam, specifically the Central Highlands in Gia Lai Province. Specimens have been recorded in Chu Se District, with the type locality being a coffee farm in this region.
Habitat: Cyrtodactylus gialaiensis is known to inhabit artificial, terrestrial environments, particularly sun-grown coffee plantations. Specimens have been observed on the trunks of coffee trees, indicating adaptability to altered habitats. During the day, they reportedly shelter under dry leaf litter. While many species in the Cyrtodactylus irregularis group are dependent on primary forest, this species has been found in a more agricultural setting, suggesting a degree of habitat flexibility.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle: Cyrtodactylus gialaiensis is nocturnal and has been observed active between 19:30 and 22:00 hrs. It is known to inhabit coffee plantations, specifically utilizing the trunks of coffee trees for shelter and hunting.
Reproduction: The species is oviparous, with females laying eggs during the breeding season, though detailed reproductive behavior remains largely unknown.
Diet: Like most bent-toed geckos, it likely feeds on small invertebrates, such as insects, which are abundant in both natural and agricultural environments.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria: Listed as Critically Endangered under criteria B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii) due to its restricted range, limited to a single known location, and the ongoing decline in the quality and extent of its habitat.
Threats: The main threat to this species is habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and potential habitat degradation. While it is found in coffee plantations, any further agricultural development or habitat changes could significantly impact its survival.
Remarks:
Cyrtodactylus gialaiensis was first described in 2017 from the Gia Lai Province of Vietnam. The species is named after its type locality, Gia Lai, and reflects its unique adaptation to agricultural environments like coffee plantations, setting it apart from other forest-reliant Cyrtodactylus species.