Microhabitat selection and communal nesting in the insular Psychedelic Rock Gecko, Cnemaspis psychedelica, in Southern Vietnam with updated information on trade
H. Ngô, T. Nguyen, Tan van Nguyen, Mona van Schingen, Thomas Ziegler
Natureza & Conservação April 12, 2018 DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.31.28145 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational field study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Cnemaspis psychedelica (Psychedelic Rock Gecko) on Hon Khoai and Hon Tuong islands, Ca Mau Province, Vietnam |
| Key findings | Microhabitat selection by Cnemaspis psychedelica differed slightly between wet and dry seasons, and perch height selection differed with age. The authors report the first records of communal nesting and of predation by the snake Lycodon capucinus for the species, plus ongoing habitat destruction on Hon Khoai Island and first documentation of illegal trade in live geckos at pet markets in northern and southern Vietnam. They argue improved conservation measures are needed. |
Abstract
The Psychedelic Rock Gecko,Cnemaspispsychedelica, was described in 2010 and certainly belongs to the most spectacular gecko discoveries worldwide. The species is endemic to two small offshore islands in Rach Gia Bay. Its striking colour pattern makes the species highly attractive for the international pet market. The existentCnemaspispopulation is negatively affected by habitat degradation and predation by introduced macaques. We herein provide the first characterisation of microhabitat selection of this species, including seasonal variation on Hon Khoai and Hon Tuong islands, Ca Mau Province, Vietnam. We found that characteristics of the selected microhabitat, such as substrate type, temperature and canopy cover slightly differed between the wet and dry seasons. We also demonstrated age-related differences in the selection of perch heights. Communal nesting was, for the first time, reported forC.psychedelica, as well as natural predation by a snake species (Lycodoncapucinus). In addition, we documented ongoing habitat destruction on Hon Khoai Island and recorded illegal trade of live Psychedelic Rock Geckos for the first time on local pet markets in both northern and southern Vietnam. Our findings highlight the need for improved conservation measures in order to reduce anthropogenic impacts on wild populations ofC.psychedelica.