Paradoxical Bent-toed Gecko – Cyrtodactylus paradoxus – (Darevsky & Szczerbak, 1997)

Science name: Cyrtodactylus paradoxus – (Darevsky & Szczerbak, 1997)

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

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

Description: Physical Characteristics:
Cyrtodactylus paradoxus is a medium-sized species with a snout-vent length (SVL) ranging from 45 to 80 mm.
The species lacks a preanal groove, and both males and females do not have preanal or femoral pores.
Enlarged femoral scales are present, and it has 26–36 mid-ventral scale rows.
The toes have 17–23 subdigital lamellae, with a median series of transversely widened subcaudal scales.
The dorsal surface is marked by irregular crossbands.
Coloration and Appearance:
Coloration:
The dorsum of Cyrtodactylus paradoxus is marked with irregular crossbands, creating a distinctive pattern on its body.
The overall coloration is variable, providing camouflage within the rocky and forested environments where the gecko is found.

Distribution and habitat: Location: Endemic to Vietnam, specifically recorded from Hon Thom Isle, near the southern point of Phu Quoc Island in Kien Giang Province.
Elevation: Found at low elevations within the tropical forest and rocky biotopes.
Habitat: This species inhabits secondary dipterocarp forests, often associated with rocky areas. It has been recorded on dry rocks under the canopy at night and is known to live in hillside plantations with small rocks.

Behaviour and ecology: Lifestyle: This species is nocturnal and saxicolous (rock-dwelling), primarily active at night. During the day, it hides in crevices and rocky outcrops.
Reproduction: The species is oviparous. In captivity, females have been observed laying two eggs. After approximately 55 days of incubation, hatchlings with a total length of 45-47 mm emerged.

Conservation and status: IUCN Red List Category: Least Concern (assessed in 2017)
Despite its limited range, the population of Cyrtodactylus paradoxus is considered stable.
Threats: The species is adapted to secondary forests and rocky biotopes, which may reduce its vulnerability to habitat changes. However, ongoing habitat disturbances such as deforestation and agricultural expansion could pose potential future threats.
Etymology:
The species name paradoxus comes from the Greek word for “unusual” or “strange,” referencing the species’ lack of femoral and preanal pores, which is uncommon among related geckos.
Remarks:
Cyrtodactylus paradoxus was first described by Darevsky and Szczerbak in 1997 from specimens collected on Hon Thom Isle. The gecko is distinguished by its lack of femoral and preanal pores, a unique characteristic among Cyrtodactylus species.