[Herpetology • 2019] Cyrtodactylus muangfuangensis • A New Species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Vientiane Province, northern Laos

Cyrtodactylus muangfuangensis  

Sitthivong, Luu, Ha, Nguyen, Le & Ziegler, 2019

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4701.3.3

Abstract
A new species of the genus Cyrtodactylus from Vientiane Province, northern Laos is described based on morphological and molecular data. Cyrtodactylus muangfuangensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from remaining congeners by the following combination of characters: maximum SVL 83.9 mm; dorsal pattern consisting of dark nuchal loop, nape band and five dark transversal bands between limb insertions; intersupranasals two; dorsal tubercles present on occiput, body, hind limbs and tail base; 15 or 16 irregular dorsal tubercle rows at midbody; lateral folds clearly defined, without interspersed tubercles; 31–37 ventral scales between ventrolateral folds; six precloacal pores and 15 femoral pores in males, which are interrupted by six to eight poreless scales; six precloacal pitted scales plus in total 10–15 pitted femoral scales in females, which are separated by six to eight poreless scales; enlarged precloacal and femoral scales present; two or three postcloacal tubercles; median subcaudal scales transversely enlarged. In molecular analyses, the new species is strongly supported as a member of the Cyrtodactylus phongnhakebangensis species group, and weakly corroborated as a sister taxon to C. pageli. Pairwise genetic comparison shows that it is at least 18% divergent from other congeners in the species group based on a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I gene.

Keywords: Reptilia, Cyrtodactylus muangfuangensis sp. nov., morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy

Cyrtodactylus muangfuangensis sp. nov.


Saly Sitthivong, Vinh Quang Luu, Ngoan Van Ha, Truong Quang Nguyen, Minh Duc Le and Thomas Ziegler. 2019. A New Species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Vientiane Province, northern Laos. Zootaxa. 4701(3); 257–275. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4701.3.3

[Herpetology • 2014] Cyrtodactylus thuongae • A Third New Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh Province, southern Vietnam

Cyrtodactylus thuongae

Phung, van Schingen, Ziegler & Nguyen, 2014

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3764.3.5 

Abstract

We describe the third new species of the genus Cyrtodactylus from Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh Province, southern Vietnam based on a type series consisting of eleven specimens. Cyrtodactylus thuongae sp. nov. is distinguished from the remaining Indochinese Bent-toed Geckos by a combination of the following morphological characters: size medium, with a maximum SVL of 77.6 mm; dorsal pattern consisting of blotches between limbs and on occiput and a sometimes medially opened nuchal loop; dorsal tubercles in 16–18 irregular rows; ventrals in 29–44 longitudinal rows at midbody; lateral skin folds present, lacking tubercles; femoral pore series separated from precloacal pore series in males, 0–3 on each side; precloacal pores in males absent or only one; enlarged femoral scales and precloacal scales present, separated by a series of 15–16 smaller scales; postcloacal spurs two or three; subcaudal scales slightly enlarged. This is the 32nd described Cyrtodactylus species from Vietnam.

Keywords: Cyrtodactylus thuongae sp. nov., Tay Ninh Province, southern Vietnam, morphology, taxonomy

Cyrtodactylus thuongae sp. nov., adult male holotype (IEBR A.2013.23).

 Photo T.M. Phung. 

Cyrtodactylus thuongae sp. nov.

Etymology. The species name is dedicated to the wife of the first author, Dr. Thuong Thi Lien Nguyen from University of Food Industry, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, for support of his field research in Vietnam

Cyrtodactylus thuongae sp. nov.:
A) adult male holotype (IEBR A.2013.23) and B) adult female paratype (ZFMK 94994) in life.

Photos T.M. Phung.

Sympatric occurrence of three Cyrtodactylus species in Ba Den Mountain,
A) Cyrtodactylus thuongae (IEBR A.2013.24), B) C. badenensis, and C) C. nigriocularis.

 Photos T.M. Phung.

Distribution. Cyrtodactylus thuongae is currently known only from the type locality in Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam (see Fig. 5). 

Natural history notes. Cyrtodactylus thuongae inhabits the same habitat with two other co-occurring cave dwelling species, C. badenensis Nguyen, Orlov & Darevsky, 2006 and C. nigriocularis Nguyen, Orlov & Darevsky, 2006 (Fig. 2). Specimens were collected at night (ca. 22–24:00) on the rocky wall in a small cave, approximately 0.5–2.5 m above the ground. Most of the specimens were found inside the cave (ca. 2–5 m from the entrance) and only one was collected outside (ca. 1.5 m away from the entrance). The surrounding habitat was mixed forest of hardwood and vine, dominated by trees of the families Moraceae, Fabaceae, and Dipterocarpaceae. C. badenensis and C. nigriocularis were also found on rocky cliffs of the cave, usually at heights below 1.5 m above the ground. 

Trung My Phung, Mona van Schingen, Thomas Ziegler and Truong Nguyen. 2014. A Third New Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh Province, southern Vietnam. Zootaxa. 3764 (3): 347–363. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3764.3.5

ResearchGate.net/publication/261296560_A_third_new_Cyrtodactylus_from_Ba_Den_Mountain_Tay_Ninh_Province_southern_Vietnam

Vietnamese Gecko Species Discovered Near Ho Chi Minh City

thanhniennews.com/youth-science/new-lizard-frog-found-in-vietnams-mountains-25138.html

 reptilesmagazine.com/Lizards/Information-News/Vietnamese-Gecko-Species-Discovered-Near-Ho-Chi-Minh-City

[Herpetology • 2018] Leptolalax macrops • A New Species of the Genus Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from southern Vietnam

Leptolalax macrops 

Duong, Do, Ngo, Nguyen & Poyarkov, 2018

ABSTRACT

 We describe a new species of megophryid frog from Phu Yen Province in southern Vietnam. Leptolalax macrops sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological attributes: (1) body size medium (SVL 28.0–29.3 mm in three adult males, 30.3 mm in single adult female); (2) supra-axillary glands present, creamy white; ventrolateral glands indistinct; (3) tympanum externally distinct; (4) dorsal skin roughly granular with larger tubercles, dermal ridges on dorsum absent; (5) rudimentary webbing present between fingers I–II and II–III; rudimentary webbing between all toes; fingers and toes without dermal fringes; (6) in life ventral surface greyish-violet with white speckling; (7) supratympanic fold distinct, dark brown in life; (8) iris bicolored, typically golden in upper half, fading to golden green in lower half; (9) tibia short (TbL/SVL 0.44–0.45 in males); and (10) eyes large and protuberant (ED/SVL 0.15–0.16 in males). From all congeners for which comparable sequences are available, the new species differs markedly in the 16S rRNA mitochondrial gene sequence (P-distance>5.7%). The new species is currently known only from montane evergreen tropical forests of Song Hinh District, Phu Yen Province, and M’Drak District of Dak Lak Province at elevations of 470–630 m a.s.l. We suggest the new species should be considered as Data Deficient following the IUCN’s Red List categories. We also report a previously unknown Leptolalax mtDNA lineage from an evergreen tropical forest in the Hoa Thinh District of Phu Yen Province, which may also represent an undescribed species.

Keywords: Leptolalax macrops sp. nov.; Phu Yen Province; Dak Lak Province; Southern coastal region of Vietnam

Figure 5: Male paratype of Leptolalax macrops sp. nov. (IEBR A.2017.9) in life (Photo taken in situ. Photo by Dang Trong Do)

Leptolalax macrops sp. nov.

 Chresonymy: Leptolalax sp. [molecular lineage 7] — Rowley et al., 2015a: 10, 12.

Etymology: Specific epithet “macrops” is a noun in the nominative case, derived from Greek “macros” for “large” and “ops” for “eye”, in reference to its comparatively large eye size. 

Recommended vernacular names: We recommend “Big-eyed Litter Frog” as the common English name of the new species and the common name in Vietnamese as “Cóc mày mắt to”

Figure 5: Male paratype of Leptolalax macrops sp. nov. (IEBR A.2017.9) in life.
Figure 6: Typical habitat (A) and microhabitat (B) of Leptolalax macrops sp. nov. in type locality: Suoi Khi Stream, Hon Den Mt., Ea Ly and Ea Trol commune border, Song Hinh District, Phu Yen Province, Vietnam

 (Photos by Dang Trong Do)

Tang Van Duong, Dang Trong Do, Chung Dac Ngo, Truong Quang Nguyen and Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Jr. 2018. A New Species of the Genus Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from southern Vietnam. ZOOLOGICAL RESEARCH. 38(3); 1-16. DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2018.009

ResearchGate.net/publication/324504580_A_new_species_of_the_genus_Leptolalax_from_southern_Vietnam

[Herpetology • 2017] Limnonectes quangninhensis • A New Species of Limnonectes (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from northeastern Vietnam

Limnonectes quangninhensis Pham, Le, Nguyen, Ziegler, Wu & Nguyen, 2017

Quangninh Wart Frog | Ếch nhẽo quảng ninh  || DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4269.4.8  VNCreatures.net

Abstract

A new species of Limnonectes is described from northeastern Vietnam based on morphological and molecular differences. Morphologically, the new species is distinguishable from its congeners on the basis of a combination of the following diagnostic characters: Large size (SVL 50.1–68.9 in males, 45.5–63.0 mm in females); males with moderately enlarged head (HL/SVL 0.48), head longer than wide; vomerine teeth present; external vocal sacs absent; rostral length short (RL/SVL 0.16 in males, 0.15 in females); tympanum distinct (TD/ED 0.63 in males, 0.60 in females); dorsal surface of head, body and flanks with flattened tubercles; dorsal surface of tibia possessing small tubercles; supratympanic fold present; dorsolateral fold absent; webbing formula I0–0II0–1/3III0–1/3IV1/2–0V; in life, dorsum yellowish brown with a dark brown marking; throat and chest white with dark brown marking; ventral surface of fore and hind limbs as well as belly white. In phylogenetic analyses, the new species is placed as the sister taxon to Limnonectes fujianensis with strong statistical support in all analyses.

Keywords: Limnonectes quangninhensis sp. nov., molecular phylogeny, taxonomy, Quang Ninh Province, Amphibia

ventral view of the holotype (IEBR 3907, male) of Limnonectes quangninhensis sp. nov.   

Etymology. The specific epithet “quangninhensis” refers to the type locality of the new species, Quang Ninh Province. For the common names we suggest Quangninh Wart Frog (English) and Ếch nhẽo quảng ninh (Vietnamese).

 The C. Pham, Minh D. Le, Tao T. Nguyen, Thomas Ziegler, Zheng J. Wu and Truong Q. Nguyen. 2017. A New Species of Limnonectes (Amphibia: Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Vietnam. Zootaxa.  4269(4); 545–558. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4269.4.8

http://www.VNCreatures.net/all_species/new0008.php

[Herpetology • 2016] Cyrtodactylus soni • A New Species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam

Cyrtodactylus soni  

 Le,  Nguyen, Le & Ziegler, 2016

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4162.2.4 

Abstract

We describe a new species of the genus Cyrtodactylus on the basis of six specimens collected from the limestone forest of the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Cyrtodactylus soni sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by genetic distinction and morphological differences in number of femoral and precloacal pores, femoral scales, ventral scales, lamellae, subcaudals, and dorsal tubercle arrangement, as well as in size and color pattern. In the phylogenetic analyses, the new species is nested in a clade containing taxa from northwestern and northcentral Vietnam and northern Laos.

Keywords: Reptilia, Cyrtodactylus soni sp. nov., karst forest, molecular phylogeny, taxonomy, Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve

Dzung Trung Le, Truong Quang Nguyen, Minh Duc Le and Thomas Ziegler. 2016. A New Species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam.
Zootaxa. 4162(2); 268–282. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4162.2.4

  

[Herpetology • 2007] Pseudocophotis kontumensis • A New Species of Pseudocophotis (Agamidae) from central Vietnam

Pseudocophotis kontumensis 

  Ananjeva, Orlov, Nguyen & Nazarov, 2007

Abstract

A new agamid lizard, Pseudocophotis sp. nov. from central mountain region of Vietnam (Kon Tum Province) if described. The new species strongly differs from another agamid species of Eastern Himalaya-China-Indochina region by combination of pholidosis, morphometric characters and coloration.

Keywords: arboreal Agamidae; Draconinae; Pseudocophotis; Pseudocalotes; Japalura; central Vietnam; a new species

Ananjeva, Natalia B., Nikolai L. Orlov, Quang Truong Nguyen and Roman A. Nazarov. 2007. A New Species of Pseudocophotis (Agamidae: Acrodonta: Lacertilia: Reptilia) from central Vietnam. Russian Journal of Herpetology 14 (2):153-160 http://www.folium.ru/rjh/index.php/rjh/article/view/207

researchgate.net/publication/263858423_A_NEW_SPECIES_OF_Pseudocophotis_(AGAMIDAE_ACRODONTA_LACERTILIA_REPTILIA)_FROM_CENTRAL_VIETNAM

[Herpetology • 2011] Review of the Genus Dopasia Gray, 1853 (Squamata: Anguidae) in the Indochina Subregion

Abstract

A review of the genus Dopasia Gray, 1853 in the Indochina subregion is provided with the first country record of D. hainanensis for Vietnam and new distribution records for other species. In addition, we herein confirm the validity of Dopasia ludovici, previously a synonym of D. harti, based on overlooked external morphological differences. 

Key words: China, Vietnam, new record, morphology, taxonomy

  Discussion

Based on morphological features, the members of Dopasia in the Indochina subregion can be divided in two subgroups. The Dopasia gracilis subgroup contains D. gracilis and D. sokolovi, and is diagnosed by the presence of a dark ventrolateral stripe and three scales between nasal and frontonasal. The Dopasia harti subgroup comprises D. harti, D. hainanensis, and D. ludovici, and is diagnosed by the absence of the dark ventrolateral stripe and two scales between the nasal and frontonasal. It may be noted that some characteristics distinguishing the Southeast Asian Dopasia can also be observed among the species of the relatively closely related genus Anguis: males are often heavily blue-spotted in A. colchica and A. graeca and much less so in A. fragilis, while A. cephallonica convergently shows the same serrated borderline between dorsal and flank coloration (see Gvozdik et al. 2010) as also exhibited in juvenile D. harti and juvenile and adult D. ludovici.

Truong Quang Nguyen, Wolfgang Böhme, Tao Thien Nguyen, Quyet Khac Le, Kristian Robert Pahl, Tanja Haus & Thomas Ziegler. 2011. Review of the Genus Dopasia Gray, 1853 (Squamata: Anguidae) in the Indochina subregion. Zootaxa. 2894: 58–68

http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/17149844/1369468038/name/Nguyen

[Herpetology • 2016] Shinisaurus crocodilurus vietnamensis • Is there more than one Crocodile Lizard? An Integrative Taxonomic Approach Reveals Vietnamese and Chinese Shinisaurus crocodilurus Represent Separate Conservation and Taxonomic Units.

Shinisaurus crocodilurus vietnamensis  

Schingen, Le, Ngo, Pham, Ha, Nguyen & Ziegler, 2016

  DOI: 10.1016/j.zoolgart.2016.06.001   

Abstract

The Crocodile lizard Shinisaurus crocodilurus, the only living representative of the family Shinisauridae, is a habitat specialist adapted to remote freshwater habitats within evergreen broadleaf forests. Its current distribution is restricted to few small and isolated remnant occurrences in South China and North Vietnam. Multiple anthropogenic threats such as massive habitat destruction and unsustainable over-collection for the international pet trade brought the species to the brink of extinction. We herein employed an integrative taxonomic approach including comprehensive molecular comparisons based on fragments of mitochondrial genes (cytochrome b, partial ND6, and partial tRNA-Glu) in concert with in-depth morphological and ecological analyses in order to determine the status of the extant populations. Based on molecular, morphological, and ecological differences, we herein describe a new subspecies, Shinisaurus crocodilurus vietnamensis ssp. n., from Vietnam. Our findings emphasize the importance of improved in situ conservation measures in both countries, as both China and Vietnam harbor unique Crocodile lizard forms. We also recommend additional ex situ conservation measures, i.e., separate conservation breeding management of the subspecies in order to maintain genetic integrity and adjust husbandry conditions according to detected differences in ecological niche occupation.

Keywords: Conservation units; Ecology; Molecular biology; Morphology; New subspecies; Shinisauridae

Fig. 7. Male holotype (IEBR 3806) of Shinisaurus crocodilurus vietnamensis ssp. n. in life.

Photo: C.T. Pham. 

  DOI: 10.1016/j.zoolgart.2016.06.001 

Taxonomic Account

Shinisaurus crocodilurus vietnamensis ssp. n.

Holotype: Adult male, IEBR 3806 (TYT2012.1SC), collected on 02 July 2012 at an elevation of 407 m in Son Dong District, Bac Giang Province, Vietnam by Cuong The Pham (Fig. 7).

Diagnosis: Shinisaurus crocodilurus vietnamensis ssp. n. differs from the nominate form Shinisaurus c. crocodilurus from China by the following combination of morphological characters: a relatively lower ratio of head height (HH) to head length (HL) and cheek height (CHa) to head length (lower head and cheek); a relatively higher ratio of eye-naris distance (EN) to head length and lower ratios of eye-eye distance to head length and internares distance to head length (snout longitudinally elongated and transversely narrower); and a relatively smaller ratio of orbital diameter (Or) to head length. For further morphological, molecular and ecological separation of the new subspecies from the nominate form see also the section “Comparisons”.

Etymology: The subspecies is named after the country of origin.

Distribution: Currently, Shinisaurus crocodilurus vietnamensis ssp. n. is only known from small and isolated sites in Quang Ninh and Bac Giang provinces, Northeast Vietnam (see Fig. 6).

Natural History: Shinisaurus crocodilurus vietnamensis ssp. n. is adapted to granitic freshwater streams within the evergreen broadleaf forest, with moderate annual temperatures without large fluctuations. For more detailed information see van Schingen, Pham, et al. (2015).

Fig. 3. Variation in color patterns of Vietnamese Shinisaurus crocodilurus:
A: Adult male from Dong Son-Ky Thuong NR, Quang Ninh Province; B-D: Adult males from Yen Tu NR, Quang Ninh Province; E-G: Adult males from Tay Yen Tu NR, Bac Giang Province; H, J-L: Adult females from Tay Yen Tu NR; I: Adult female from Dong Son-Ky Thuong NR.

Photos: M. van Schingen.    DOI: 10.1016/j.zoolgart.2016.06.001 

Mona van Schingen, Minh Duc Le, Hanh Thi Ngo, Cuong The Pham, Quynh Quy Ha, Truong Quang Nguyen and Thomas Ziegler. 2016. Is there more than one Crocodile Lizard? An Integrative Taxonomic Approach Reveals Vietnamese and Chinese Shinisaurus crocodilurus Represent Separate Conservation and Taxonomic Units. [Gibt es mehr als eine Krokodilschwanzechse? Ein integrativer taxonomischer Ansatz zeigt, dass vietnamesische und chinesische Shinisaurus crocodilurus separate Schutz-, sowie taxonomische Einheiten darstellen].   Der Zoologische Garten.   DOI: 10.1016/j.zoolgart.2016.06.001

  

[Herpetology • 2016] Odorrana mutschmanni • A New Species of Odorrana (Anura: Ranidae) from the karst forests in northeastern Vietnam

Odorrana mutschmanni  

Pham, Nguyen, Le, Bonkowski & Ziegler, 2016

Abstract

A new species of Odorrana is described from the karst forests in northeastern Vietnam based on morphological differences and molecular divergence. Morphologically, the new species is distinguishable from its congeners on the basis of a combination of the following diagnostic characters: (1) size large (SVL 85.9–91.6 mm in males, 108.7–110.1 mm in females); (2) head longer than wide; (3) vomerine teeth present; (4) external vocal sacs absent; (5) snout short (SL/SVL 0.16–0.17); (6) tympanum large (TD/ED 0.70 in males, 0.68 in females); (7) dorsal surface of head and anterior part of body smooth, posterior part of body and flanks with small tubercles; (8) supratympanic fold present; (9) dorsolateral fold absent; (10) webbing formula I0–0II0–0III0–1/2IV1/2–0V; (11) in life, dorsum green with dark brown spots; (12) flanks greyish brown with dark brown spots; (13) throat and chest grey, underside of limbs with large dark brown spots, edged in white, forming a network. In the phylogenetic analyses, the new species is unambiguously nested within the O. andersonii group, and placed as the sister taxon to O. wuchuanensis.

Keywords: Amphibia, Odorrana mutschmanni sp. nov., karst forest, molecular phylogeny, taxonomy, Cao Bang Province

FIGURE 2. Dorsolateral view of the holotype (IEBR 3723, male) of Odorrana mutschmanni sp. nov. in life.

Cuong The Pham, Truong Quang Nguyen, Minh Duc Le, Michael Bonkowski and Thomas Ziegler. 2016. A New Species of Odorrana (Amphibia: Anura: Ranidae) from Vietnam. 

 Zootaxa. 4084(3);  mapress.com/j/zt/issue/view/zootaxa.4084.3.7

ResearchGate.net/publication/295920607_A_new_species_of_Odorrana_Amphibia_Anura_Ranidae_from_Vietnam

[Herpetology • 2015] Dixonius taoi • A New Species of Dixonius (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Phu Quy Island, Vietnam

Dixonius taoi

Botov, Trung, Truong, Bauer, Brennan & Ziegler, 2015

FIGURE 3. Dorsolateral view of Dixonius taoi sp. n. from Phu Quy Island, Vietnam. Adult male holotype (A: IEBR A.2014.26) and adult female paratype with partially regenerated tail (B: IEBR A2014.27).

Photos: Phùng Mỹ Trung. || DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4040.1.4

Abstract

We describe a new species of Dixonius on the basis of five specimens from Phu Quy Island, Binh Thuan Province, in southern Vietnam. The new species can be distinguished from congeners based on molecular and morphological differences. Diagnostic features are: small size (SVL up to 44 mm); 7 or 8 supralabials; 11 or 12 rows of keeled tubercles on dorsum; 21–23 ventral scale rows; 5 or 6 precloacal pores in males; a canthal stripe running from rostrum through the eye and terminating behind the head; second pair of postmentals about one third to one half size of first pair; ground color of dorsum brown, with one or two rows of light yellow or orange spots in one or two rows along flanks, and irregular bands or a reticulated network of dark marks on dorsum. This is the fifth species of Dixonius known to occur in Vietnam. 

Keywords: Reptilia, Dixonius taoi sp. nov., coastal forest, molecular phylogeny, taxonomy, Binh Thuan Province, southern Vietnam, South China Sea


Etymology. The new species is named in honor of our colleague and friend Dr. Nguyen Thien Tao from the Vietnam National Museum of Nature in Hanoi, in recognition of his numerous and groundbreaking scientific contributions towards a better understanding of the herpetofauna of Vietnam.

Distribution. Phu Quy Island, Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam (Fig. 4).

FIGURE 3. Dorsolateral view of Dixonius taoi sp. n. from Phu Quy Island, Vietnam. Adult male holotype (A: IEBR A.2014.26) and adult female paratype with partially regenerated tail (B: IEBR A2014.27).

Photos: Trung My Phung. || DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4040.1.4

Natural history. The type series were found in secondary forest just above sea level (Fig. 5). The predominant vegetation, which is interspersed with large volcanic stones, consists of small prickly shrubs and species of the families Pandanaceae, Ebenaceae, and Fabaceae. The geckos were collected during a rainy night, when they had left their shelters between stones and shrubs. A few specimens were found in the small shrubs in agricultural lands. Most of the forests in this area have been destroyed, and only a few small patches are left along the coast.

Botov, Andreas, Trung M. Phung, Truong Q. Nguyen, Aaron M. Bauer, Ian G. Brennan and Thomas Ziegler. 2015. A New Species of Dixonius (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Phu Quy Island, Vietnam. Zootaxa. 4040(1): 48–58. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4040.1.4

Loài thằn lằn mới phát hiện trong đêm mưa

Trong cơn mưa nặng hạt, giữa đêm tối mịt mùng, nhà nghiên cứu Phùng Mỹ Trung lặng lẽ tìm kiếm ở đám cây bụi nằm sát biển và điều kỳ diệu đã đến - anh tìm ra loài mới thằn lằn chân ngón tạo.

http://vnexpress.net/tin-tuc/khoa-hoc/trong-nuoc/loai-than-lan-moi-phat-hien-trong-dem-mua-3309826.html

[Herpetology • 2014] Hemiphyllodactylus kiziriani • A New Species of Hemiphyllodactylus (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from northern Laos

ABSTRACT

A new species of the genus Hemiphyllodactylus is described from Luang Prabang Province, northern Laos. Hemiphyllodactylus kiziriani sp. nov. is distinguished from the remaining congeners by morphology, coloration, and a significant genetic divergence of greater than 20% (ND2 gene). The new species from Laos is characterized by the following features: SVL of adult males 35.1–40.1 mm, of adult females 36.3–40.8 mm; dorsal scale rows 18–27; ventral scale rows 11–15; chin scales bordering mental and first infralabial distinctly enlarged; digital lamellae formulae 3-4-4-4 (forefoot) and 4-4/5-4/5-4 (hindfoot); femoral pores 0–4, total precloacal pores 10–13 in males, 8–10 pitted precloacal scales in females; cloacal spurs present in both sexes; dorsal trunk pattern dark brown with two rows of irregular transverse bands; dark lateral head stripe distinct; upper zone of flank with a dark brown stripe; caecum and gonadal ducts unpigmented.

Keywords: Slender Gecko, karst forest, phylogeny, taxonomy, Luang Prabang Province

Truong Q. Nguyen, Andreas Botov, Minh D. Le, Liphone Nophaseud, George Zug, Michael Bonkowski and Thomas Ziegler. 2014. A New Species of Hemiphyllodactylus (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from northern Laos. Zootaxa. 3827(1):45-56. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3827.1.4

ResearchGate.net/publication/263544120_A_new_species_of_Hemiphyllodactylus_(Reptilia_Gekkonidae)_from_northern_Laos

[Herpetology • 2015] Limnonectes nguyenorum • More of the Same: A Diminutive New Species of the Limnonectes kuhlii complex (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from northern Vietnam

FIGURE 2. Two syntopic species of Limnonectes from northern Vietnam.
Holotype of Limnonectes nguyenorum (VMNH A.2015.1; adult male; SVL = 43.81 mm): (A) dorsal, (B) ventral, (C) plantar view of foot, (D) Palmar view of hand, (E) lateral view of head, (F) magnified view of tubercles on leg (reference in image A). Mature ova from female paratype (VMNH A.2015.3).
Specimen of L. bannaensis from type locality of L. nguyenorum (IEBR A. 2015.38; adult male; SVL = 64.50 mm): (H) lateral view of head, (I) magnified view of tubercles on leg (reference in image J), (J) dorsal, (K) ventral. All specimens imaged as they appear in alcohol.

McLeod et al. 2015. | holotype | DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3947.2.4

ABSTRACT 

A new species in the dicroglossid genus Limnonectes known only from Ha Giang province, Vietnam is described. Analysis of DNA sequence data from the mitochondrial 12S and 16S gene regions places the species within the Limnonectes kuhlii Complex and demonstrates it to be the sister taxon to an Indochinese clade containing L. isanensis, L. jarujini, L. megastomias, and L. taylori. The new species occurs in syntopy with L. bannaensis. Both molecular and morphological data support the recognition of this lineage as a new species. Notably, the relatively diminutive size of this species distinguishes Limnonectes nguyenorum sp. nov. from all other members of the L. kuhlii Complex.

Keywords: dicroglossid, fanged frog, Limnonectes nguyenorum sp. nov., mitochondrial DNA, morphology, species complex

Distribution and ecology. Based on the specimens examined, Limnonectes nguyenorum is only known from Vi Xuyen District in northwestern Ha Giang Province, northern Vietnam (Fig. 3). As with other members of the L. kuhii Complex, L. nguyenorum is found along streams in submontane evergreen forests (Fig. 4). The new species seems to occur at elevations approximately between 600 and 900 m, corresponding generally to the transition between lowland and montane forests. Based upon the presence of gravid females of both L. nguyenorum and L. bannaensis during collecting events, it is possible that these species breed at similar times and under similar
conditions.

Etymology. The specific name, nguyenorum, is the plural possessive form of the family name Nguyen. This species is named in honor of two herpetologists who have contributed greatly to our understanding of Vietnamese herpetology and biodiversity, Truong Quang Nguyen and Tao Thien Nguyen. It is rare to find siblings working together in herpetological research, and more so to find brothers as productive as these. We commend them for their efforts and recognize that without them this and many other amphibians and reptiles in Vietnam would remain undescribed.

David S McLeod, Scuyler Kurlbaum and Ngoc Van Hoang. 2015. More of the Same: A Diminutive New Species of the Limnonectes kuhlii complex from northern Vietnam (Anura: Dicroglossidae). Zootaxa. 3947(2):201-214. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3947.2.4

ResearchGate.net/publication/275018943_More_of_the_same_a_diminutive_new_species_of_the_Limnonectes_kuhlii_complex_from_northern_Vietnam_(Anura_Dicroglossidae)

David S. McLeod Lab at James Madison University: facebook.com/787110321326774/photos/823126644391808

[Herpetology • 2011] Review of the Genus Sphenomorphus Fitzinger, 1843 (Squamata: Sauria: Scincidae) in Vietnam, with Description of a New Species, Sphenomorphus tonkinensis, from Northern Vietnam and Southern China and the First Record of Sphenomorphus mimicus Taylor, 1962 from Vietnam

Sphenomorphus tonkinensis  

  Nguyen, Schmitz, Nguyen, Orlov, Böhme & Ziegler. 2011

DOI: 10.1670/09-068.1

ABSTRACT

 We describe a new forest skink species of the genus Sphenomorphus based on specimens from northern Vietnam and from Hainan Island, southern China. The new species is differentiated from the congeners by the combination of the following characters: size small (SVL 35.8-48.8 mm); prefrontals in contact with each other mesially; supralabials seven; primary temporals two; external ear opening present, without lobules, tympanum slightly sunk; midbody scales in 32–34 rows; dorsal scales smooth, paravertebral scales 65–72, not widened; limbs well developed, pentadactyl; 15–19 smooth lamellae under fourth toe; free margins of upper and lower eyelids edged in white; neck, dorsum, and tail base bronze-brown with a discontinuous dark vertebral stripe; upper lateral zone black, interrupted by small light spots from behind the neck. In addition, we provide a review of Vietnamese Sphenomorphus with the first country record of Sphenomorphus mimicus. The generic allocation of Sphenomorphus devorator (allocated to Scincella), Leptoseps tetradactylus (allocated to Sphenomorphus), and Uvorimica (allocated to Sphenomorphus) is discussed.

Truong Quang Nguyen, Andreas Schmitz, Tao Thien Nguyen, Nikolai L. Orlov, Wolfgang Böhme and Thomas Ziegler. 2011. Review of the Genus Sphenomorphus Fitzinger, 1843 (Squamata: Sauria: Scincidae) in Vietnam, with Description of a New Species from Northern Vietnam and Southern China and the First Record of Sphenomorphus mimicus Taylor, 1962 from Vietnam. Journal of Herpetology. 45(2):145-154. DOI: 10.1670/09-068.1

ResearchGate.net/publication/261972534_Review_of_the_Genus_Sphenomorphus_Fitzinger_1843_(Squamata_Sauria_Scincidae)_in_Vietnam_with_Description_of_a_New_Species_from_Northern_Vietnam_and_Southern_China_and_the_First_Record_of_Sphenomorphus_mimicus_Taylor_1962_from_Vietnam

PHÁT HIỆN MỘT LOÀI THẰN LẰN MỚI Ở BẮC BỘ VIỆT NAM

http://vast.ac.vn/tin-tuc-su-kien/tin-khoa-hoc/trong-nuoc/715-phat-hien-them-mot-loai-than-lan-bong-o-viet-nam-va-trung-quoc

http://www.vncreatures.net/event86.php

[Herpetology • 2014] Gekko thakhekensis • A New Species of the Gekko japonicus group (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from central Laos

Gekko thakhekensis
Luu, Calame, Nguyen, Le, Bonkowski & Ziegler, 2014

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3895.1.4

Abstract

A new species of the Gekko japonicus group is described from Khammouane Province, central Laos, based on distinct morphological and molecular features. Gekko thakhekensis sp. nov. is distinguished from the remaining congeners by a combination of the following characters: size moderate (SVL 67.6–79.2 mm); nares in contact with rostral; internasals absent; postmentals enlarged; interorbital scales between anterior corners of the eyes 22–26; dorsal tubercles absent; ventral scales between mental and cloacal slit 165–174; midbody scale rows 110–116; ventral scale rows 32–40; subdigital lamellae on first toe 11–13, on fourth toe 14–15; finger and toe webbing present at base, about one fifth of length of digits; tubercles on upper surface of fore and hind limbs absent; precloacal pores 1–5 in males; postcloacal tubercles two; tubercles absent on dorsal surface of tail base; subcaudals enlarged; dorsal surface of body with greyish brown blotches. In molecular analyses, the new species is recovered as a sister taxon to G. scientiadventura, but the two species are separated by approximately 12% divergence as shown by the partial mitochondrial ND2 gene.

Keywords: Gekko thakhekensis sp. nov., Khammouane Province, karst forest, morphology, molecular phylogeny

Gekko thakhekensis

photo: T. Calame 

Vinh Quang Luu, Thomas Calame, Truong Quang Nguyen, Minh D. Le, Michael Bonkowski and Thomas Ziegler. 2014. A New Species of the Gekko japonicus group (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from central Laos. Zootaxa. 3895(1):73-88. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3895.1.4

ResearchGate.net/publication/269408236_A_new_species_of_the_Gekko_japonicus_group_(Squamata_Gekkonidae)_from_central_Laos

[Herpetology • 2014] Cyrtodactylus vilaphongi • A New Species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Karst Forest of Luang Prabang Province, northern Laos

Cyrtodactylus vilaphongi

Schneider, Nguyen, Le, Nophaseud, Bonkowski & Ziegler, 2014

Abstract

We describe a new species of the gekkonid genus Cyrtodactylus on the basis of two specimens collected from limestone forests of Luang Prabang Province, northern Laos. Morphologically, the new species is distinguishable from its congeners by a combination of the following diagnostic characters: maximum SVL 86.1 mm; supralabials 9 or 10; infralabials 7–9; dorsal tubercles in 15 or 16 rows at midbody; ventral scale rows 34–36 at midbody; precloacal groove absent; femoral scales not distinctly enlarged; precloacal pores absent in females (unknown in males); subdigital lamellae under the fourth finger 18 or 19, under the fourth toe 18–20; subcaudals not transversally enlarged; dorsal bands white, 4 or 5 between limb insertions plus another one between hind limbs; tail banded. Based on molecular analyses, the new species is clustered in the same clade with C. wayakonei and two other species from Luang Prabang and Houaphan provinces.

Keywords: Bent-toed gecko, limestone forest, phylogeny, taxonomy, Luang Prabang Province

Schneider, Nicole, Truong Q. Nguyen, Minh D. Le, Liphone Nophaseud, Michael Bonkowski & Thomas Ziegler. 2014. A New Species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Karst Forest of northern Laos. Zootaxa. 3835(1): 80–96.

http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3835.1.4
researchgate.net/publication/263766148_A_new_species_of_Cyrtodactylus_%28Squamata_Gekkonidae%29_from_the_karst_forest_of_northern_Laos

[Herpetology • 2014] Cyrtodactylus puhuensis • DNA Barcoding of Vietnamese Bent-toed Geckos (Squamata: Gekkonidae) and the Description of A New Species from northwestern Thanh Hóa Province, northern Vietnam

 Pù Hu Bent-toed Gecko | Cyrtodactylus puhuensis

Nguyen, Yang, Thi Le, Nguyen, Orlov, Hoang, Nguyen,
Jin, Rao, Hoang, Che, Murphy & Zhang, 2014

Abstract

Species of bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus) in Vietnam have been described at a rate of nearly four species per year since 2007 mostly based on morphological data. A tool that guides species delimitation will accelerate the rate of documentation, and at a time when the recognition of species greatly benefits conservation. We use DNA barcoding using COI (550 bp) to re-examine the levels of genetic divergence and taxonomic status of 21 described species of Vietnamese bent-toed geckos. Tree-based analyses resolve all sampled species and identify potential undescribed taxa. Kimura 2-parameter genetic distances between the described species average 21.0±4.2% and range from 4.3% to 28.7%. Further, our analyses discover two potentially new species from Vietnam, two from Laos and one from China. Herein we describe the new species Cyrtodactylus puhuensis sp. nov. from Vietnam on the basis of both genetics and morphology. Genetically, it differs from the remaining species by an average K2P distance of 24.0±1.8%. Morphologically, the new species is diagnosed by its medium-size (snout-vent length 79.24 mm and tail length 82.59 mm, for the single known individual), in having a series of moderately enlarged transverse subcaudals and a series of moderately enlarged femoral scales that extend from precloacal scales, in possessing femoral scales without pores, with males having five precloacal pores, and in exhibiting 8 supralabials, 10 infralabials, 23 narrow subdigital lamellae on its fourth toe, and 36 transverse ventrals. 

Key words: Cyrtodactylus puhuensis, Indochina, Thanh Hoa, genealogy

FIGURE 3. Bayesian inference tree for species of Cyrtodactylus from Vietnam and adjacent areas.

labs.EEB.UToronto.ca/Murphy

Etymology. The specific epithet puhuensis refers to the type locality, Pù Hu Nature Reserve, where the new species was discovered. 

Distribution and Habitat. Cyrtodactylus puhuensis sp. nov. is known only from the Pù Hu Nature Reserve, in northwestern Thanh Hóa Province, northern Vietnam (Fig. 2). The single known specimen of this new gecko was found at night on a large tree (diameter about 1.5 m), at about 2.5 m above the forest floor. The habitat was evergreen forest intermixed with bamboo. Limestone was not observed in the area and the recorded elevation was 638 m.

Nguyen, Sang N., Jun-xiao Yang, Thanh-ngan T. Le, Luan T. Nguyen, Nikolai L. Orlov, Chung V. Hoang, Truong Q. Nguyen, Jie-qiong Jin, Ding-Qi Rao, Thao N. Hoang, Jing Che, Robert W. Murphy & Ya-Ping Zhang. 2014. DNA Barcoding of Vietnamese Bent-toed Geckos (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Cyrtodactylus) and the Description of A New Species. Zootaxa. 3784(1): 48–66. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3784.1.2

ResearchGate.net/publication/261876584_DNA_barcoding_of_Vietnamese_bent-toed_geckos_(Squamata_Gekkonidae_Cyrtodactylus)_and_the_description_of_a_new_species

http://labs.eeb.utoronto.ca/murphy/PDFs%20of%20papers/2014_new-VN-gecko.pdf

[Testudology • 2011] Rafetus vietnamensis Le, Le, Tran, Phan, Phan, Tran, Pham, Nguyen, Nong, Phan, Dinh, Truong and Ha, 2010 — Another Invalid Name for an Invalid Species of SoftShell Turtle (Reptilia: Testudines: Trionychidae)

Ontogenetic Changes in head pattern of Rafetus swinhoei 

Abstract

The description of Rafetus vietnamensis Le et al., 2010 is reviewed. As the name was based on the same type material as Rafetus leloii Ha, 2000, we declare R. vietnamensis an objective synonym of R. leloii. Simultaneously, no characteristics presented by Le et al. distinguish their R. vietnamensis from Rafetus swinhoei (Gray, 1873), which confirms our view that they constitute the same biological entity.

Balázs Farkas, Minh Le, Truong Quang Nguyen. 2011. Rafetus vietnamensis Le, Le, Tran, Phan, Phan, Tran, Pham, Nguyen, Nong, Phan, Dinh, Truong and Ha, 2010 — Another Invalid Name for an Invalid Species of SoftShell Turtle (Reptilia: Testudines: Trionychidae). Russian Journal of Herpetology. 18(1):65-72.

http://www.folium.ru/rjh/index.php/rjh/article/view/823

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/256306820_Rafetus_vietnamensis_LE_LE_TRAN_PHAN_PHAN_TRAN_PHAM_NGUYEN_NONG_PHAN_DINH_TRUONG_AND_HA_2010__ANOTHER_INVALID_NAME_FOR_AN_INVALID_SPECIES_OF_SOFTSHELL_TURTLE_(REPTILIATESTUDINES_TRIONYCHIDAE)

Le T. B., Le Q. H., Tran M. L., Phan T. H., Phan M. T.,Tran T. T. H, Pham T. T., Nguyen D. T., Nong V. H.,Phan V. C., Dinh D. K., Truong N. H., and Ha D. D. 2010. Comparative morphological and DNA analysis of specimens of giant freshwater soft-shelled turtle in Viet-nam related to Hoan Kiem turtle, Tap chi Cong nghe Sinhhoc. (J. Biotechnol.), 8 (3A), 949 – 954.

http://www.iucn-tftsg.org/wp-content/uploads/file/Articles/Le_etal_2010.pdf

[Herpetology • 2013] Oreolalax sterlingae • First Record of the Genus Oreolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from Vietnam with Description of a New Species from Fansipan Mountain, Hoang Lien Mountain Range, northern Vietnam

Oreolalax sterlingae

Nguyen, Phung, Le, Ziegler & Böhme 2013

photo: Phùng Mỹ Trung: vncreatures.net

Abstract

The genus Oreolalax is reported from Vietnam for the first time and a new species is described based on morphological differences, molecular divergence, and phylogenetic placement. Morphologically, the new species is distinguishable from its congeners on the basis of a combination of the following diagnostic characters: size small; tympanum hidden; toes with webbing at base; dorsum with distinct, round, spiny warts; flanks with white, spiny spots; belly and lower surface of limbs smooth, with dark marbling; interorbital region without dark triangular pattern; upper surface of thigh with dark bars; male with black spines present on margin of lower lip, spinal patches on chest small with fine spines, nuptial spines on fingers small, and without vocal sacs. In phylogenetic analyses, the new species is unambiguously nested within the genus Oreolalax.

Oreolalax sterlingae; A: holotype, A. paratype

  

Truong Q. Nguyen, Trung M. Phung, Minh D. Le, Thomas Ziegler and Wolfgang Böhme. 2013. First Record of the Genus Oreolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from Vietnam with Description of a New Species. Copeia. 213-222.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1643/CH-12-021

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/247779120_First_Record_of_the_Genus_(Anura_Megophryidae)_from_Vietnam_with_Description_of_a_New_Species

http://www.vncreatures.net/event018.php