Thochu Bent–toed Gecko – Cyrtodactylus thochuensis – Ngo Van Tri & Grismer, 2012

Science name: Cyrtodactylus thochuensis – Ngo Van Tri & Grismer, 2012

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

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

Description:

Physical characteristics:
Cyrtodactylus thochuensis is a robust gecko with an adult snout-vent length (SVL) ranging from 80 to 81.8 mm. The body is relatively stocky, and the limbs and digits are short and sturdy. The dorsal pattern features 3–5 irregularly shaped yellowish-brown bands set against a brown background. The original tail is long, with alternating 12–14 yellowish-white and dark brown bands. The gecko has 20–26 rows of strongly keeled dorsal tubercles and 30–40 ventral scales between the ventrolateral folds. There is no precloacal groove, and males have 3–5 precloacal pore-bearing scales that are in lateral contact with 15–17 enlarged femoral scales.

Coloration and Appearance:
The dorsal side of the body is marked with irregular yellowish-brown bands on a brown background. The tail has distinctive bands that alternate between dark brown and yellowish-white, while the subcaudal scales form large, transverse plates.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation: Found at elevations between 9 and 80 meters above sea level.
Area: Cyrtodactylus thochuensis is native to the southwestern region of Vietnam, specifically recorded from Tho Chu Island in the Phu Quoc District, Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve, and other islands in the Gulf of Thailand, including Hon Khoai and Hon Chuoi in Ca Mau Province. It has also been reported in Malaysia on Palau Tenggol Island and Thailand on Ko Kra Island.
Habitat: This species inhabits coastal and inland habitats, often found among granite boulders, on vegetation up to 6 meters above the ground, on the forest floor, and occasionally on buildings. It resides in subtropical/tropical moist lowland forests and rocky areas, such as inland cliffs and mountain peaks.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle:
This species is nocturnal and scansorial (adapted for climbing), found on granite boulders and vegetation in coastal and inland environments. Gravid females with two eggs and hatchlings have been observed during September.

Reproduction:
The species is oviparous, with females laying eggs during the breeding season. Eggs are typically laid in protected areas such as rock crevices.

Diet:
The diet of Cyrtodactylus thochuensis consists primarily of small invertebrates found in its natural habitat.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Listed as Least Concern (LC) due to its presence on multiple islands around the Gulf of Thailand and its abundance on at least one of them. The species faces no major threats at this time.

Threats:
There are no significant threats to the species, as it occurs in protected areas such as the Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve.

Conservation actions:
Continued monitoring of its population and habitat is necessary to ensure its long-term stability, especially since its known range is limited to specific islands.