Cnemaspis psychedelica

Cnemaspis psychedelica, also known as the psychedelic rock gecko, is an endangered species of gecko, only scientifically described in 2010, that is endemic to Hon Khoai Island and adjacent Hon Tuong Isle in Vietnam.[1][3] It is up to about 7.5 cm (3 in) in snout–vent length, and (as suggested by its name) it is quite brightly coloured in yellow, orange, black and grey-blue.[4]

Psychedelic Rock Gecko
CITES Appendix I (CITES)[2]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Cnemaspis
Species:
C. psychedelica
Binomial name
Cnemaspis psychedelica
Grismer, Ngo & Grismer, 2010

This diurnal gecko inhabits granite boulders in densely vegetated country, retreating into crevices or under the rocks if scared, locations also used for sleeping at night. Each female typically lays two white eggs that are attached 0.3–3.5 m (1–11.5 ft) above the ground to the underside of a rock ledge (in captivity, they will use various elevated surfaces, not just rocks) and several females may use the same place, forming a communal nest with up to ten eggs.[1][4][5] Newly hatched young are quite dull, but the adult colours are already evident when two months old.[4]

Conservation

This species has a very small range, an estimated adult population of slightly above 500 individuals (which however appears to be quite stable as of 2018) and it is considered endangered by the IUCN, with the major threats being habitat loss from road construction, building of artificial ponds and developments for tourists (despite its range being in a protected area), predation by introduced long-tailed macaques and collection for the pet trade (despite being fully protected).[1][4][5] In an effort to conserve it, a captive breeding project was initiated at Hon Me Station on Hon Khoai Island in 2014, supported by Cologne Zoo of Germany. Initial trials indicated that it was well-suited for a captive breeding project and the first young were hatched at the station in early 2015.[1][4][6] Additionally, ranger equipment and posters highlighting the gecko's status have been provided to the local forest protection department.[6]

References
  1. Nguyen, T.Q.; Ngo, H.; Ziegler, T.; van Schingen, M. (2016). "Cnemaspis psychedelica". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T97210381A97210384. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T97210381A97210384.en. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  2. "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
  3. "Cnemaspis psychedelica". The Reptile Database. Retrieved 2017-11-11.
  4. Ziegler, T.; A. Rauhaus; K.V. Nguyen; T.Q. Nguyen (2016). "Building of a Conservation Breeding Facility for the Psychedelic Rock Gecko (Cnemaspis psychedelica) in Southern Vietnam". Zool. Garten N.F. 85 (5): 224–239. doi:10.1016/j.zoolgart.2016.05.002.
  5. Ngo, H.N.; T.Q. Nguyen; T.V. Nguyen; M. van Schingen; T. Ziegler (2018). "Microhabitat selection and communal nesting in the insular Psychedelic Rock Gecko, Cnemaspis psychedelica, in Southern Vietnam with updated information on trade". Nature Conservation. 31 (3): 1–16. doi:10.3897/natureconservation.31.28145.
  6. Ziegler, T.; T.Q. Nguyen (2016). "Linking ex situ Measures and Ecological Research for the Conservation of the Endangered Psychedelic Rock Gecko" (PDF). WAZA News. November 2016: 45–46.


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