Son La Bent-toed gecko – Cyrtodactylus sonlaensis – Nguyen, Pham, Ziegler, Ngo & Le, 2017

Science name: Cyrtodactylus sonlaensis – Nguyen, Pham, Ziegler, Ngo & Le, 2017

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

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

Description:

Physical characteristics:
Cyrtodactylus sonlaensis is a medium-sized gecko with a snout-vent length (SVL) reaching up to 83.2 mm. The dorsal surface features 13–15 rows of tubercles, while the ventral scales are arranged in 34–42 rows at midbody. The species possesses lateral folds without interspersed tubercles. Males have 14–15 femoral pores on each thigh, while females lack these pores. There are 8 precloacal pores arranged in a continuous row in males, but they are absent in females. Postcloacal tubercles range from 2 to 3, and the fourth toe has 18–21 subdigital lamellae.

Coloration and Appearance:
The dorsal surface of the head has dark brown oval and arched markings, and the nuchal loop is discontinuous. There are five brown dorsal bands between the limb insertions, though the third and fourth bands are not continuous. The subcaudal scales are transversely enlarged.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation: Found at elevations around 1,050 meters above sea level.
Area: Cyrtodactylus sonlaensis is endemic to northwestern Vietnam, specifically from the karst forest near Bang Village in Muong Bang Commune, Phu Yen District, Son La Province.
Habitat: This species inhabits evergreen karst forests, which consist of medium hardwoods mixed with shrubs. It is found at night on limestone formations and rock crevices.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle:
Cyrtodactylus sonlaensis is a nocturnal species that is active at night, particularly on limestone cliffs and in rock crevices.

Reproduction:
This species is oviparous, with females laying eggs in the crevices of limestone rocks during the early rainy season.

Diet:
It feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates found in its karst forest habitat.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Listed as Least Concern (LC), with no significant immediate threats to its population noted, although its habitat could face risks from deforestation and human activities.

Threats:
The primary threats include habitat loss due to human encroachment and deforestation in its karst forest environment.

Conservation actions:
The species benefits from the protection offered by its presence in the karst forest near Bang Village, a relatively undisturbed area.