Son’s Bent-toed Gecko – Cyrtodactylus soni – Le, Nguyen, Le & Ziegler, 2016

Science name: Cyrtodactylus soni – Le, Nguyen, Le & Ziegler, 2016

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

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

Description:

Physical characteristics:
Cyrtodactylus soni is a medium-sized gecko, with a snout-vent length (SVL) reaching up to 103 mm. The internasal scale is single, and there are 10–13 irregular rows of dorsal tubercles. The ventral scales are arranged in 41–45 rows at midbody, and the species possesses lateral skin folds without interspersed tubercles. Males have 6–7 precloacal pores, while females exhibit 7–8 pitted scales in a continuous row. There are 6–8 femoral pores on each side in males, separated from the precloacal pore series by 8–11 poreless scales. The species also has enlarged femoral scales and 2–3 postcloacal spurs. Subcaudal scales are transversely enlarged, and the fourth toe has 18–22 subdigital lamellae.

Coloration and Appearance:
The dorsal pattern consists of a dark nuchal loop, a continuous or partly interrupted neck band, and five or six irregular transverse body bands between the limb insertions. The body is generally brown, with darker brown bands that are distinct from the background color.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation: Found at elevations between 17 and 28 meters above sea level.
Area: Cyrtodactylus soni is endemic to northern Vietnam, specifically in the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province.
Habitat: This species inhabits lowland secondary karst forest composed of medium to small hardwoods mixed with shrubs and vines. It is found at night on limestone cliffs and within rock crevices, typically at heights of 0.3–1.5 meters above the ground.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle:
Cyrtodactylus soni is a nocturnal species, typically active at night when it is found on limestone cliffs or in rock crevices. Its activity has been observed between 18:30 and 21:00.

Reproduction:
This species is oviparous, laying eggs during the breeding season. Eggs are typically deposited in rock crevices.

Diet:
It primarily feeds on small insects, such as beetles and other arthropods, commonly found in its forested habitat.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Listed as Least Concern (LC) due to its relatively stable population, though specific threats are not well known.

Threats:
Habitat loss from deforestation and human activity, such as agricultural expansion and tourism, may pose future threats to the species.

Conservation actions:
The species is protected within the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve, which helps mitigate some of the habitat destruction risks.