Phouthone Kingsada’s Bent-toed gecko – Cyrtodactylus kingsadai – Ziegler, Phung, Le & Nguyen, 2013

Science name: Cyrtodactylus kingsadai – Ziegler, Phung, Le & Nguyen, 2013

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

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

Description: Physical characteristics:

Cyrtodactylus kingsadai is a medium to large-sized gecko, with a maximum snout-vent length (SVL) of 94 mm.
The species exhibits a light brown body color with dark bands, including a dark nuchal loop and four irregular transverse body bands between the limbs.
It has a single internasal scale, and its back is covered in 17–23 irregular rows of dorsal tubercles.
The ventral scales are arranged in 39–46 rows at midbody. Males have 7–9 precloacal pores and 3–7 femoral pores on each side, separated by 7–9 poreless scales. The species has three postcloacal spurs on each side, and the subcaudal scales are transversely enlarged.
Coloration and Appearance:

The gecko’s body has light brown coloration with dark bands across its back, a distinctive dark nuchal loop, and transverse bands between the limbs. These patterns provide camouflage against the granite boulders and coastal shrubland vegetation it inhabits.

Distribution and habitat: Elevation: Found at elevations between 50 and 100 meters above sea level.
Area: Cyrtodactylus kingsadai is endemic to southern Vietnam, specifically known from the type locality at Dai Lanh Cape, Duy Hoa District, Phu Yen Province. The species inhabits coastal shrub vegetation intermixed with granite boulders.
Habitat: It is typically found on boulders within coastal shrubland environments. The habitat consists of subtropical/tropical moist shrubland.

Behaviour and ecology: Lifestyle: Cyrtodactylus kingsadai is nocturnal, spending the day hiding among granite boulders and emerging at night to forage. It is well-adapted to the coastal environment, where it utilizes rock crevices and boulders for shelter and hunting.
Reproduction: This species is oviparous, laying eggs in sheltered locations, such as rock crevices, during the early rainy season.
Diet: It primarily feeds on small invertebrates, including insects found in the shrubland and rock crevices.

Conservation and status: IUCN Red List Category and Criteria: Listed as Least Concern due to the lack of significant threats and its adaptability to coastal environments.
Threats: Although no immediate or substantial threats are identified, the species has a limited range, which could make it vulnerable to habitat changes or localized disturbances in the future.
Remarks:
Cyrtodactylus kingsadai was named in honor of Phouthone Kingsada, a prominent Laotian herpetologist who made significant contributions to the study of reptiles and amphibians in Southeast Asia. The species was discovered in the same region as the newly identified Gekko truongi in the coastal areas of Phu Yen Province.