Huynh’s bent-toed gecko – Cyrtodactylus huynhi – Ngo & Bauer, 2008

Science name: Cyrtodactylus huynhi – Ngo & Bauer, 2008

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

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

Description: Physical characteristics:

Cyrtodactylus huynhi is a medium-sized gecko, with a maximum snout-vent length (SVL) of 79.8 mm.
It has a slender body, long limbs, and a long tail. There are 16–18 weakly keeled dorsal tubercle rows, and 43–46 rows of ventral scales at midbody.
Males possess 7–9 precloacal pores, arranged in a row, and 3–5 enlarged femoral scales per thigh. A few femoral pores (1–5 per thigh) are also present in males.
The species lacks a precloacal groove, and its subcaudal scales are not uniform, alternating between single and paired scales.
The body coloration is light brown with 5–6 irregular dark bands across the back, bordered by yellow to cream-colored tubercles. A prominent light nuchal band is visible on the neck, and the tail has alternating light and dark bands.
Coloration and Appearance:

The back is adorned with dark, irregular bands, contrasted with lighter scales. The tail also displays alternating dark and light bands, aiding in camouflage within its rocky habitat.

Distribution and habitat: Elevation: Found at elevations ranging from 70 to 300 meters above sea level.
Area: Endemic to southern Vietnam, Cyrtodactylus huynhi is known from the Chua Chan Mountain in Xuan Loc District, Dong Nai Province, within the Truong Son Mountain Range.
Habitat: This species inhabits lowland granitic caves, often located within secondary deciduous forests or even cashew plantations. It has been recorded near residential areas, suggesting some adaptability to human-altered environments.

Behaviour and ecology: Lifestyle: Cyrtodactylus huynhi is a nocturnal species, primarily inhabiting rocky granitic caves at elevations of up to 800 meters. It is typically found near rocky outcrops or in crevices, where it hunts for insects.
Reproduction: This species is oviparous, laying two eggs per clutch in crevices or cracks in rocks at the onset of the rainy season. The sex of the offspring is determined by ambient temperature.
Diet: It feeds on small invertebrates, particularly insects, that inhabit its rocky environment.

Conservation and status: IUCN Red List Category and Criteria: Listed as Vulnerable under criteria D2 due to its restricted range and potential threats from habitat disturbance.
Threats: The species may be under pressure from increasing tourist access and habitat modification, particularly from quarrying and construction activities, including the development of cable cars. However, more research is needed to confirm the full extent of these threats.
Remarks:
Cyrtodactylus huynhi was named in honor of Professor Dang Huy Huynh, the first director of the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources (IEBR), for his significant contributions to zoological research in Vietnam. This species is considered unique due to its adaptability to both natural and human-altered environments.