Thuong’s Bent-toed gecko – Cyrtodactylus thuongae – Phung, Van Schingen, Ziegler & Nguyen, 2014

Science name: Cyrtodactylus thuongae – Phung, Van Schingen, Ziegler & Nguyen, 2014

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

Species status: Endemic ; IUCN status: VU (Vunerable)

Description:

Physical Characteristics:
Cyrtodactylus thuongae is a medium-sized gecko, with an adult snout-vent length (SVL) of up to 77.6 mm. It features a dorsal pattern of irregular blotches on the body and head, and sometimes an interrupted nuchal loop. The species has 16–18 rows of dorsal tubercles, with 29–44 ventral scales running longitudinally along the midbody. The species lacks precloacal pores or has only one pore in males, while the femoral pore series is separated from the precloacal series, with 0–3 pores on each thigh in males.

Coloration and Appearance:
The dorsal surface is marked with irregular blotches, while the tail exhibits slightly enlarged subcaudal scales. The gecko has a robust body structure, with postcloacal spurs and a distinct absence of a precloacal groove.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation: Found at elevations around 600 meters above sea level.
Area: Cyrtodactylus thuongae is endemic to southern Vietnam, specifically recorded from Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh Province. This species is restricted to rocky cave environments within this region.
Habitat: The species inhabits evergreen forests with a mix of hardwood trees and vines, particularly in areas with rocky substrates, such as caves. It has been observed on rocky walls inside caves, usually between 0.5 to 2.5 meters above the ground, and occasionally outside near the cave entrances.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle:
Cyrtodactylus thuongae is nocturnal and thrives in rocky environments within forested areas. It is often found at night on cave walls, sometimes venturing to the base of large trees near these rocky habitats. The species is well-adapted for its environment, with behavior centered around cave systems.

Reproduction:
This species is oviparous, laying two eggs in rock crevices or small cavities during the rainy season. The young geckos develop in these sheltered environments, and the sex of the hatchlings is determined by the surrounding temperature.

Diet:
The species primarily feeds on small invertebrates, which it hunts in its forested and rocky habitat during its nocturnal activities.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Cyrtodactylus thuongae is listed as Vulnerable (D2) due to its restricted distribution and specific habitat requirements, making it susceptible to environmental changes and habitat disturbance.

Threats:
There are no significant widespread threats documented, though the species’ narrow distribution range and habitat specificity put it at risk from localized threats such as habitat destruction.

Conservation Actions:
Continued habitat protection and monitoring of its population are essential to ensure the long-term survival of this species. The species benefits from the fact that it is found in a protected area, which offers some protection against habitat destruction.