Huong Son Bent-toed gecko – Cyrtodactylus huongsonensis – Luu, Nguyen, DO & Ziegler, 2011

Science name: Cyrtodactylus huongsonensis – Luu, Nguyen, DO & Ziegler, 2011

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

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

Description:

Physical characteristics:

Cyrtodactylus huongsonensis is a medium-sized gecko with a maximum snout-vent length (SVL) of 89.8 mm.
The species has distinctive dorsal markings, including a dark nuchal loop and a neck band, with five irregular transverse body bands between the limbs.
It features 14–16 irregular rows of dorsal tubercles, with 41–48 rows of ventral scales at midbody. The skin folds on the lateral body are present but lack tubercles.
Males possess six precloacal pores and 17 femoral pores, separated by 8–12 poreless scales, along with three postcloacal spurs. Enlarged precloacal and femoral scales are also present.
The subcaudal scales are enlarged transversely, aiding in the identification of the species.
Coloration and Appearance:

The gecko is characterized by dark markings on its head, neck, and body. Its dorsal surface has dark brown bands on a lighter background, contributing to its camouflage within its limestone forest habitat.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation: Found at elevations of around 120 meters above sea level.
Area: Endemic to Vietnam, Cyrtodactylus huongsonensis is known from the Huong Son limestone forest in My Duc District, Hanoi. This area includes limestone karst formations.
Habitat: This species inhabits subtropical/tropical moist lowland forests and is associated with limestone karst forests. It has been observed in both pristine and disturbed forest habitats.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle: Cyrtodactylus huongsonensis is nocturnal and primarily found in limestone karst forests, where it likely shelters in crevices or under leaf litter during the day and emerges at night to hunt.
Reproduction: This species is oviparous, laying two eggs annually in rock crevices during the early rainy season.
Diet: It feeds on insects and other small invertebrates found in its forest habitat.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria: Listed as Vulnerable under criteria D2, Cyrtodactylus huongsonensis faces risks due to its restricted range and habitat disturbances.
Threats: The species’ habitat is under pressure from human activity, particularly the disturbance of limestone karst forests for tourism and other land-use changes. The continued decline in habitat quality poses a threat to the population’s stability.
Remarks:
Cyrtodactylus huongsonensis was first described in 2011, and its name refers to the Huong Son limestone forest, where it was discovered. This area is a tourist site that is not yet fully protected, making conservation efforts critical for the species’ long-term survival.