Hon Tre Bent-toed Gecko – Cyrtodactylus hontreensis – Ngo Van Tri, Grismer & Grismer, 2008

Science name: Cyrtodactylus hontreensis – Ngo Van Tri, Grismer & Grismer, 2008

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

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

Description:

Physical characteristics:

Cyrtodactylus hontreensis is a medium-sized gecko with a snout-vent length (SVL) averaging 79.7 ± 4.9 mm.
The body is slender, and the head is free of any spots or bands. It has three broad, dark brown dorsal bands between the limb insertions, edged in white.
The species has 16 or 17 scales across the rostrum and 21–26 scales between the eye and nostril. The ventral scales are arranged in 40–42 rows at midbody, and there are 20–24 paravertebral tubercles between the limbs.
Males exhibit seven or eight precloacal pores, and both sexes have 2–5 enlarged femoral scales. The tail is segmented, with a broad dark band at the base and a shallow middorsal groove.
The subcaudal scales are enlarged, and there are 21–22 subdigital lamellae on the first toe and 17–19 on the fourth toe.
Coloration and Appearance:

The body is light brown with dark brown dorsal bands edged in white, making the gecko well-camouflaged within the rocky environment it inhabits. The tail also features a dark band near its base, contributing to its distinctive pattern.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation: Found at elevations of around 100 meters above sea level.
Area: Cyrtodactylus hontreensis is endemic to southwestern Vietnam, specifically on Hon Tre Island in Kien Giang Province. This species is found within the Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve, particularly in areas with volcanic rock formations.
Habitat: This gecko inhabits caves and subterranean habitats within forested areas. It thrives in rocky cave systems formed by volcanic rock and is often found in areas with underground streams.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle: Cyrtodactylus hontreensis is a nocturnal species, spending its days hidden within caves and emerging at night to hunt for food. It is well-adapted to life in rocky caves formed by weathered volcanic rock.
Reproduction: This species is oviparous, laying two eggs annually in rock crevices during the early rainy season.
Diet: It primarily feeds on insects and other small invertebrates found in the caves and surrounding forested areas.

Conservation and status:

Lifestyle: Cyrtodactylus hontreensis is a nocturnal species, spending its days hidden within caves and emerging at night to hunt for food. It is well-adapted to life in rocky caves formed by weathered volcanic rock.
Reproduction: This species is oviparous, laying two eggs annually in rock crevices during the early rainy season.
Diet: It primarily feeds on insects and other small invertebrates found in the caves and surrounding forested areas.
Conservation and Status:
IUCN Red List Category and Criteria: Listed as Least Concern, Cyrtodactylus hontreensis is not currently facing significant threats. However, its specialized habitat on Hon Tre Island may make it vulnerable to habitat disturbance.
Threats: While no immediate threats are reported, any future habitat disturbance or development on Hon Tre Island could pose risks to the species due to its restricted range.
Remarks:
Cyrtodactylus hontreensis was first described in 2008 and named after Hon Tre Island, its only known habitat. It is a unique species, highly specialized for life in the island’s volcanic caves, and is commonly referred to as the “Hon Tre Bent-toed Gecko” in English or “Thằn lằn chân ngón Hòn Tre” in Vietnamese.