Martin’s Bent–toed Gecko – Cyrtodactylus martini – Ngo Van Tri, 2011

Science name: Cyrtodactylus martini – Ngo Van Tri, 2011

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

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

Description: Physical characteristics:
Cyrtodactylus martini is a medium-sized gecko with a maximum snout-vent length (SVL) of 96.2 mm. The tail is long, with a TL/SVL ratio of 1.07, and is marked by distinct rings.
The gecko has a moderately robust body, with smooth or conical tubercles along the back, arranged in 16–19 irregular longitudinal rows. Its ventral scales are arranged in 39–43 rows at midbody.
It features 15–16 interorbital scales on the frontal bone and 17–21 scales between the eye and nostril.
Males have four precloacal pores separated by one poreless scale, while females lack precloacal pores.
The limbs are long and slender, with 15–18 subdigital lamellae on the first toe and 22–24 on the fourth toe. There are no enlarged scales on the heel.
Coloration and Appearance:
Coloration:
The body is pale brown or yellowish-brown, featuring four to six irregular yellowish-white bands between the limbs. These bands are irregular and contrast with darker patches along the body, creating a striking pattern.
The tail has six to seven white rings alternating with darker bands, providing camouflage on rocky karst surfaces.
Head Pattern: The head is adorned with symmetrical or subsymmetrical reticulations, which are lighter in color. It lacks a nuchal loop, a feature seen in some other Cyrtodactylus species.
Tail and Limbs: The long tail with alternating light and dark bands provides an effective camouflage, especially in rocky environments. The limbs are slender, allowing the gecko to maneuver effectively on uneven terrain. The subdigital lamellae are well-developed for climbing.
Scales: The dorsal side is covered with a combination of smooth and conical tubercles, arranged in irregular rows. The ventral side is smooth, with larger, overlapping scales that provide protection.

Distribution and habitat: Elevation: Found at elevations between 1,200 to 1,300 meters above sea level.
Area: Cyrtodactylus martini is known from the karst forest around Lai Chau Town, Lai Chau Province, in northwestern Vietnam. This species inhabits montane karst forest and has been recorded on rocky surfaces, such as cliffs and mountain peaks.
Habitat: It primarily inhabits secondary montane karst forests, often associated with crevices and rugged limestone surfaces. These geckos are typically found in areas with forest cover, though they may persist in degraded habitats where rock crevices remain available for shelter.

Behaviour and ecology: Lifestyle: This species is nocturnal, emerging at night to hunt for food. During the day, it hides in rock crevices and under boulders in its karst habitat. Its long limbs and well-developed lamellae allow it to climb easily on the rugged limestone surfaces where it lives.
Reproduction: Cyrtodactylus martini is oviparous, laying its eggs in crevices within the karst landscape. The reproductive habits are typical of geckos, though specific breeding cycles for this species remain under-researched.
Diet: The diet consists of small insects and invertebrates found within its forested and rocky habitat.

Conservation and status: IUCN Red List Category and Criteria: Listed as Data Deficient, as there is insufficient data on the species’ population trends and threats.
Threats: The species inhabits karst forests, which are susceptible to deforestation and habitat degradation. However, due to its ability to live in rock crevices, it may be somewhat resilient to forest loss. Further research is needed to determine the specific threats to its population.
Remarks:
Cyrtodactylus martini was described in 2011 and named in honor of Mr. Shaun Martin, Director of the Education Program for Nature at WWF, USA, who sponsored a grant for gecko research in Vietnam. The species is notable for its adaptability to karst habitats, where it can be found in both intact and degraded forests.