Nui Chua Bent-toed Gecko – Cyrtodactylus sangi – Pauwels, Nazarov, Bobrov & Poyarkov, 2018

Science name: Cyrtodactylus sangi – Pauwels, Nazarov, Bobrov & Poyarkov, 2018

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

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

Description:

Physical characteristics:
Cyrtodactylus sangi is a small gecko species, with males reaching a snout-vent length (SVL) of 49.9 mm. The tail is typically longer than the body, but individuals may have damaged or incomplete tails. The head is long and slightly compressed, with a narrow snout longer than the eye diameter. It has small granular scales on the snout and crown, with larger tubercles on the back and tail base. The dorsal scales consist of 19–21 irregular rows of tubercles along the back, and the ventral scales are arranged in 37 rows at midbody.

Coloration and Appearance:
In preserved specimens, the body has a beige base color, with irregular brown blotches on the head, body, and limbs. The head features dark brown markings, while the back displays five irregular dark transverse bands. The tail shows alternating dark and light bands, with seven dark bands on the proximal section of the tail. The ventral side is pale beige with no prominent markings.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation: Found at elevations ranging from 50 to 800 meters above sea level.
Area: Cyrtodactylus sangi is endemic to southern Vietnam, specifically within Nui Chua National Park, Ninh Thuan Province.
Habitat: This species inhabits evergreen and coastal dry forests. It is typically found in areas with coastal vegetation and is known to be nocturnal, residing on rocks and tree trunks.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle:
Cyrtodactylus sangi is a nocturnal species that actively forages at night, typically seen on rocks or large trees within its forested habitat. During the day, it hides in rock crevices or under vegetation.

Reproduction:
The species is oviparous, laying two eggs per clutch during the early rainy season. Eggs are usually deposited in crevices or under rocks. The sex of the offspring is likely temperature-dependent.

Diet:
It primarily feeds on small insects, such as beetles and other arthropods, found within its forest habitat.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Currently, Cyrtodactylus sangi is not listed on the IUCN Red List, but its distribution is limited, and its habitat may be susceptible to human activity and environmental changes.

Threats:
Habitat loss due to deforestation and development in coastal and forested areas, particularly from agricultural expansion and tourism, may pose a threat to this species.