[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 • 2019] Achalinus juliani, A. timi & A. emilyae • Three New Species of the Snake Genus Achalinus (Squamata: Xenodermatidae) from Vietnam

Achalinus emilyae 

Ziegler, Nguyen, Pham, Nguyen, Pham, van Schingen, Nguyen & Le. 2019

  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4590.2.3 

Abstract

Three new species of the xenodermatid genus Achalinus are described from northern Vietnam based on morphological and molecular evidence: Achalinus juliani sp. nov. is characterized by a combination of the following characters: 1) maxillary teeth 28; 2) suture between the internasals distinctly longer than that between the prefrontals; 3) internasal not fused to prefrontal; 4) loreal not fused with prefrontal; 5) infralabials 6; 6) mental separated from anterior chin shields; 7) two elongated anterior temporals, in contact with the eye, and two posterior temporals; 8) dorsal scales in 25–23–23 rows, keeled; 9) ventrals 173–179; 10) subcaudals 77–91, unpaired; 11) a total length of at least 413 mm (with a maximum tail length of 109 mm, and a tail/total length ratio of 0.22–0.37); 12) dorsum in preservative reddish to greyish brown above, with the lower and posterior head sides being paler; venter greyish cream, with the underside of the tail being somewhat darker. Achalinus timi sp. nov. is characterized by a combination of the following characters: 1) maxillary teeth 27; 2) suture between the internasals distinctly longer than that between the prefrontals; 3) loreal fused with the prefrontal on each side, with the prefrontal extending towards the supralabials; 4) dorsal scales in 25–25–23 rows, keeled; 5) ventrals 170+1; 6) subcaudals 72, unpaired; 7) a total length of at least 177.9 mm in males (with a tail length of 37.9 mm, and a tail/total length ratio of 0.21); 8) dorsum in preservative reddish to greyish brown above, with wide portion of the vertebral region being distinctly darker; the lower head sides somewhat paler; infralabial and chin shields light greyish brown; venter greyish cream, with the underside of the tail being somewhat darker and the chin region somewhat paler. Achalinus emilyae sp. nov. is characterized by a combination of the following characters: 1) maxillary teeth 27 or 28; 2) suture between internasals distinctly longer than that between the prefrontals; 3) internasal not fused to prefrontal; 4) loreal not fused with prefrontal; 5) infralabials 5; 6) mental separated from anterior chin shields; 7) two anterior temporals, only the upper one in contact with eye, and two posterior temporals; 8) dorsal scales in 23–23–23 rows, keeled; 9) ventrals in females 157–161; 10) subcaudals in females 63, unpaired; 11) a total length of at least 519.5 mm (with a maximum tail length of 95.1 mm, and a tail/total length ratio of 0.18 in females); 12) dorsum iridescent pale yellowish brown with a dark longitudinal mid-dorsal stripe. In terms of pairwise genetic distance (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, COI), the three new species differ by at least 12.7% from other members of the genus, including themselves. The total number of Achalinus known is increased to twelve and the number of Achalinus species known from Vietnam is increased from three to six. Currently ten species of xenodermatids are known to exist in Vietnam: Achalinus ater, A. emilyae, A. juliani, A. rufescens, A. spinalis, A. timi, Fimbrios klossi, F. smithi, Parafimbrios lao, and P. vietnamensis.

Keywords: Serpentes, Achalinus, molecular phylogeny, morphology, new species, northern Vietnam, taxonomy, Reptilia

Thomas Ziegler, Truong Quang Nguyen, Cuong The Pham, Tao Thien Nguyen, Anh Van Pham, Mona van Schingen, Tham Thi Nguyen, Minh Duc Le. 2019. Three New Species of the Snake Genus Achalinus from Vietnam (Squamata: Xenodermatidae). Zootaxa. 4590(2); 249–269.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4590.2.3

[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 • 2016] Cyrtodactylus bansocensis • A New Species of Karst-dwelling Bent-toed Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Cyrtodactylus) from Khammouane Province, central Laos

Cyrtodactylus bansocensis 

 Luu, Nguyen, Le, Bonkowski & Ziegler, 2016

 DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4079.1.6 

Abstract

We describe a new species of the genus Cyrtodactylus from Khammouane Province, central Laos based on morphological features and molecular data. Morphologically, Cyrtodactylus bansocensis sp. nov. is differentiated from other congeners by a unique combination of the following characters: medium size, SVL reaching 74.0 mm; dorsal pattern consisting of four light transverse bands between limb insertions; supranasals in contact with each other; dorsal tubercles at midbody in 14–15 irregular rows; lateral folds present without interspersed tubercles; ventral scales between ventrolateral folds 34–35; precloacal and femoral pores in males 34, separated by four poreless scales in the male holotype and in a continuous row in the male paratype; enlarged femoral and precloacal scales present; postcloacal tubercles 5–7 on each side; dorsal tubercles present at tail base; and subcaudal scales transversely enlarged. Molecular analyses revealed the new species to be closely related to Cyrtodactylus rufford, which is also found in Khammouane Province.

Keywords: Reptilia, Cyrtodactylus bansocensis sp. nov., limestone karst, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy

 Vinh Quang Luu, Truong Nguyen, Minh Duc Le, Michael Bonkowski and Thomas Ziegler. 2016. A New Species of Karst-dwelling Bent-toed Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Khammouane Province, central Laos.  ZOOTAXA. 4079(1):87-102.   DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4079.1.6

ResearchGate.net/publication/293803873_A_new_species_of_karst-dwelling_bent-toed_gecko_Squamata_Gekkonidae_from_Khammouane_Province_central_Laos

[Herpetology • 2016] Cyrtodactylus rufford • A New Cave-dwelling Bent-toed Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Khammouane Province, central Laos

Cyrtodactylus rufford

Luu, Calame, Nguyen, Le, Bonkowski & Ziegler, 2016

FIGURE 3. Dorsal view of the paratype of Cyrtodactylus rufford sp. nov. (IEBR R.2015.34) in life from Khammouane Province, central Laos. 

Photo: V. Q. Luu.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4067.2.4

Abstract

We describe a new species of the gekkonid genus Cyrtodactylus from Khammouane Province, central Laos based on morphological and molecular data. Morphologically, Cyrtodactylus rufford sp. nov. differs from its congeners by a unique combination of the following characters: medium size, SVL reaching 72.5 mm; dorsal pattern with three or four light transverse bands between limb insertions; one intersupranasal; 14–16 irregular dorsal tubercle rows at midbody, weakly developed in the paravertebral region; 27–29 ventral scale rows between ventrolateral folds; 42–43 precloacal and femoral pores in a continuous row in males, enlarged femoral and precloacal scales present; 4 or 5 postcloacal tubercles on each side; dorsal tubercles present at base of tail; medial subcaudal scales enlarged. Molecular analyses show that the new species is closely related to C. khammouanensis, which was originally described from Khammouane Province.

Keywords: Reptilia, Cyrtodactylus rufford sp. nov., Khammouane Province, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy

Etymology. The  new  species  is  named  in  honour  of  the  Rufford  Foundation  (UK)  for  its  support  to  herpetofaunal research and conservation in Laos. The species epithet is to be treated as a noun in apposition, invariable. As common names, we suggest Ki Chiem Rufford (Laotian) and Rufford Bent-toed Gecko (English).

Natural history. The type series of the new species was found between 20:00 and 21:00, on a karst cliff near the entrance of Nang Log Cave, from 0.3 m to 2 m height above the forest floor, at elevations between 160 and 180 m a.s.l. Nang Log Cave is situated within an isolated karst mountain surrounded by secondary forest, plantations, and some huts for tourists. The cave is a tourism site, only 50 m distant from Road 12 and 64 km from the border of Vietnam. The humidity was approximately 80% and the air temperature ranged from 24 to 26°C (Fig. 5). Other species found on the same karst wall within a 300 meters range of the type locality were the lizard Gekko gecko (Linnaeus), and the tree frog species Rhacophorus spelaeus Orlov, Gnophanxay, Phimminith & Phomphoumy, as well  as  the  Huntsman  Spider  Heteropoda  maxima  Jaeger,  and  the  long-legged  cave  centipede  Thereuopoda longicornis (Fabricius). 

Vinh Quang Luu, Thomas Calame, Truong Quang Nguyen, Minh Duc Le, Michael Bonkowski and Thomas Ziegler. 2016. Cyrtodactylus rufford, A New Cave-dwelling Bent-toed Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Khammouane Province, central Laos.
Zootaxa. 4067(2);  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4067.2.4

ResearchGate.net/publication/291339874_Cyrtodactylus_rufford_a_new_cave-dwelling_bent-toed_gecko_Squamata_Gekkonidae_from_Khammouane_Province_central_Laos

[Herpetology • 2015] Cyrtodactylus soudthichaki • A New Species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Limestone Forest of Khammouane Province, central Laos

Cyrtodactylus soudthichaki 

Luu, Calame, Nguyen, Bonkowski & Ziegler, 2015

DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4058.3.6

Abstract

We describe a new species of the genus Cyrtodactylus on the basis of three specimens from Khammouane Province, Laos. Cyrtodactylus soudthichaki sp. nov. is distinguished from the remaining congeners by the combination of the following characters: adult SVL 69.2–70.0 mm; dorsal head and neck with dark blotches; nuchal loop present; dorsum with five brown bands between limb insertions; 19 or 20 irregular rows of dorsal tubercles; 32 or 33 ventral scale rows; ventrolateral folds present, with distinct tubercles; dorsal surface of hind limbs with tubercles; 29 precloacal and femoral pores in a continuous row in males, precloacal pores absent in the female; enlarged femoral and precloacal scales present; 4 or 5 postcloacal tubercles; and subcaudals transversely enlarged. The new species most closely resembles Cyrtodactylus jaegeri and Cyrtodactylus roesleri in overall coloration and pattern. However, they can be clearly distinguished from each other in the number of dorsal tubercle rows, ventral scales, and femoral and precloacal pores. Cyrtodactylus soudthichaki is the 16th species of Cyrtodactylus known from Laos.

Keywords: Cyrtodactylus soudthichaki sp. nov., central Laos, morphology, taxonomy, Reptilia

Distribution. Cyrtodactylus soudthichakisp. nov. is currently known only from the type locality in Khun Don Mountain, Phou Hin Poun NPA, Khammouane Province, central Laos (Fig. 5).

Etymology. This species is named in honour of Mr. Sisomphone Soudthichak, from the Natural Resources and Environment Department of Khammouane Province, Laos, who provided great support for our field research in Laos since 2013. As common names, we suggest Soudthichak’s Bent-toed Gecko (English) and Soudthichak’s Ki Chiem (Laotian). 

Natural history. The specimens were found between 19:00 and 21:00, on the branches of shrubs and karst boulders in a karst forest, approximately 0.3 m above the forest floor, between 150 and 170 m a.s.l. The karst forest included  species  of  the  dominated  families  Ebenaceae,  Dracaenaceae,  Arecaeae,  Poaceae,  Meliaceae,  and  Moraceae. The humidity at the time of collection was approximately 85% and the air temperature ranged from 23 to 26oC.  

Luu, Vinh Q., Thomas Calame, Truong Q. Nguyen, Michael Bonkowski & Thomas Ziegler. 2015. A new species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the limestone forest of Khammouane Province, central Laos.
 Zootaxa. 4058(3): 388–402.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4058.3.6

ResearchGate.net/publication/287198039_A_new_species_of_Cyrtodactylus_Squamata_Gekkonidae_from_the_limestone_forest_of_Khammouane_Province_central_Laos

facebook.com/groups/NaturalLaos/permalink/554821498028147

[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 • 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 • 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

[Herpetology • 2013] Sphenomorphus sheai • A New Species of Sphenomorphus Fitzinger, 1843 (Squamata: Sauria: Scincidae) from Kon Tum Plateau, southern Central Vietnam

Sphenomorphus sheai
 Nguyen, Nguyen, Devender, Bonkowski & Ziegler 2013

Abstract

A new forest skink species of the genus Sphenomorphus is described from Kon Tum Plateau, southern Central Vietnam. Sphenomorphus sheai sp. nov. is similar to the other montane skink species from the Indochina region, Lygosoma veunsaiensis, Scincella apraefrontalis, Sphenomorphus tetradactylus, and Sphenomorphus tridigitus, in having a small size and the absence of external ear openings. However, the new species is differentiated from aforementioned species and other members of Sphenomorphus from China and mainland Southeast Asia by a unique suite of morphological characters. The discovery of S. sheai brings the total species number of Sphenomorphus known from Vietnam to twelve.

Key words: Kon Tum Plateau, skink, Sphenomorphus, taxonomy

Nguyen, Truong Q., Khoi V. Nguyen, Robert W. V. Devender, Michael Bonkowski & Thomas Ziegler. 2013. A New Species of Sphenomorphus Fitzinger, 1843 (Squamata: Sauria: Scincidae) from Vietnam. Zootaxa. 3734(1): 56-62. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3734.1.6

http://mapress.com/zootaxa/2013/f/z03734p062f.pdf | facebook.com/GlennShea73
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/science-it/88918/new-lizard-species-discovered-in-central-vietnam.html

[Herpetology • 2011] The Terrestrial Reptile Fauna of the Biosphere Reserve Cat Ba Archipelago, Hai Phong, northeastern Vietnam

Abstract

A total of 40 species of reptiles was recorded within two herpetological surveys during May 2007 and April 2008 on Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong, northeastern Vietnam: one species of turtle, 19 species of lizards, and 20 species of snakes. Nineteen species (47.5%) were new records for the island. Compared with previous herpetological surveys on Cat Ba Island, the diversity of terrestrial reptiles recorded during our field work was five times higher than given in Darevsky (1990) and two times higher than indicated by Nguyen & Shim (1997). Taxonomic comparisons revealed that one lizard is endemic, the eublepharid gecko Goniurosaurus catbaensis (Ziegler et al. 2008), and another new skink species, Sphenomorphus tonkinensis (Nguyen et al. 2011); the divergent status of other squamate species (e.g., Pareas cf. hamptoni, Viridovipera cf. stejnegeri) is still under examination.

Key words: Vietnam, Cat Ba Archipelago, Diversity, new record 

T.Q. Nguyen (Nguyễn), R. Stenke, H.X. Nguyen (Nguyễn) & T. Ziegler. 2011. The Terrestrial Reptile Fauna of the Biosphere Reserve Cat Ba Archipelago, Hai Phong, Vietnam. Bonner Zoologische Monographien. (57)

http://frogblogmanchester.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/nguyen-et-al-2011-reptile-diversity-cat-ba-archipelago.pdf

http://www.terrario-suisse.ch/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=7768

[Herpetology • 2013] Cyrtodactylus kingsadai | Kingsada's Bent-toed Gecko | Thằn lằn chân ngón kingsadai • A new Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Dai Lanh cape, Phú Yên Province, South Central Coast of Vietnam

Kingsada's Bent-toed Gecko
Cyrtodactylus kingsadai Ziegler, Phung, Le & Nguyen 2013 

Abstract

We describe a new species of the genus Cyrtodactylus based on five adult specimens from Dai Lanh Cape, Tuy Hoa District, Phu Yen Province, southern Vietnam. Cyrtodactylus kingsadai sp. nov. is distinguished from the remaining Indochinese bent-toed geckos by a combination of the following characters: maximum SVL of 94 mm; dorsal pattern consisting of a dark nuchal loop, continuous or partly interrupted neck band and four in part irregulartransverse body bands between limbs; internasal single; dorsal tubercles in 17–23 irregular transverse rows; ventrals in 39–46 longitudinal rows at midbody; lateral skin folds present, without interspersed tubercles; precloacal pores 7–9 plus in total 3–7 femoral pores in males (1-4 femoral pores on each side) with precloacal and femoral pore series separated from each other by 7–9 poreless scales; enlarged femoral scales and precloacal scales present; postcloacal spurs three;subcaudal scales transversely enlarged. This is the 29th species of Cyrtodactylus known from Vietnam.

Key words: Cyrtodactylus kingsadai sp. nov., Phu Yen Province,southern Vietnam, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy

New lizard species discovered in Phu Yen

– Vietnamese and German scientists have announced the discovery of a new bent-toed gecko species in Dai Lanh cape, Phu Yen province in central Vietnam.

http://vietnambreakingnews.com/2013/07/new-bent-toed-gecko-species-discovered-in-phu-yen/#.Ue1sftK8ARs

http://vnexpress.net/tin-tuc/khoa-hoc/phat-hien-loai-than-lan-moi-o-phu-yen-2850895.html

http://www.khoahoc.com.vn/khampha/the-gioi-dong-vat/47797_Phat-hien-loai-than-lan-moi-o-Phu-Yen.aspx

Ziegler, Thomas, Trung M. Phung, Minh D. Le & Truong Q. Nguyen. 2013. A new Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Phu Yen Province, southern Vietnam. Zootaxa. 3686 ((4)): 432–446. doi: dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3686.4.2

http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2013/f/z03686p446f.pdf

[Herpetology • 2013] Gracixalus waza | WAZA Treefrog • A new species of Gracixalus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from northern Vietnam

Gracixalus waza

Abstract

We describe a new species of small tree frog from northern Vietnam based on morphological differences and molecular divergence. Gracixalus waza sp. nov. is distinguishable from its congeners and other small rhacophorid species on the basis of a combination of the following characters: (1) size small (snout-vent length of males 27.1–32.9 mm, of females 37.6 mm); (2) head as wide as or wider than long; (3) vomerine teeth absent; (4) snout rounded and long (16–18 % of the snout-vent length); (5) spines on upper eyelid absent; (6) tibiotarsal projection absent; (7) dorsal skin smooth; (8) dermal fringes on forearm and tarsus absent; (9) dorsal surface of head and body greyish-green to moss-green with dark brown pattern forming an inverse Y marking; and (10) throat and chest with dark marbling. Our molecular data showed that the new species is nested in the same group with Gracixalus jinxiuensis sensu lato.

Truong Quang Nguyen, Minh Duc Le, Cuong The Pham, Tao Thien Nguyen, Michael Bonkowski and Thomas Ziegler. 2013. A new species of Gracixalus (Amphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae) from northern Vietnam. Organisms Diversity & Evolution. 13 (2): 203-214.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13127-012-0116-0

http://en.mava-foundation.org/?page_id=341

[Herpetology • 2013] Tylototriton ziegleri | Ziegler's Crocodile Newt • A New Species of Tylototriton (Amphibia: Urodela: Salamandridae) from Northern Vietnam

Ziegler's Crocodile Newt | Tylototriton ziegleri

Nishikawa, Matsui & Nguyen, 2013 

Abstract

A new species of the salamandrid genus Tylototriton is described from Ha Giang and Cao Bang provinces, northern Vietnam, based on molecular and morphological data. The new species differs morphologically from all known congeners in the combination of blackish body coloration; medium-sized body; distinctly rough skin; tubercular vertebral ridge; knob-like rib nodules; large eye; and low, narrow tail. The distribution pattern of species of Tylototriton in Vietnam is briefly discussed.

 Keywords: Tylototriton, Molecular phytogeny, Morphology, New species, Vietnam

Larva of Ziegler's crocodile newt

Photo: Tao Thien Nguyen 

New newt species found in northern Vietnam 

via http://www.thanhniennews.com/

A group of Vietnamese and Japanese scientists have found a new species of newt in the northern mountainous areas of Ha Giang and Cao Bang provinces.

The Vietnam National Museum of Nature announced Tuesday on its website (http://VNMN.ac.vn) that the recently-discovered Tylototriton ziegleri, was named after Dr. Thomas Ziegler from the Cologne Zoo in Germany.

Ziegler has made many contributions to biodiversity conservation and research in Vietnam, according to the museum.

Nguyen Thien Tao, a member of the research group, said male and female Tylototriton ziegleri grow an estimated 54-68 millimeters and 71 millimeters long, respectively, without their tails.

The newt has rough, dark brown or black skin with tiny bumps on it, a long furrow along its back and lines of large nodules on both sides of the body, as well as thin, long legs and thin tails. There are also orange marks on the nodules, at the end of its limbs, its anus, and parts of the tails. 

According to Tao, there are seven types of newts found in Vietnam, with Paramesotriton deloustali (also known as Tam Dao salamander), Tylototriton vietnamensis (Vietnamese crocodile newt) and the new Tylototriton ziegleri only found in northern Vietnam.

This discovery, which has been published in the Japanese magazine Current Herpetology, is the result of cooperation between the Vietnam National Museum of Nature and Japan’s Kyoto University.   

____________________

Kanto Nishikawa, Masafumi Matsui and Tao Thien Nguyen. 2013. A New Species of Tylototriton from Northern Vietnam (Amphibia: Urodela: Salamandridae). Current Herpetology. 32(1):34-49.
DOI: 10.5358/hsj.32.34

researchgate.net/publication/261913812_A_new_species_of_Tylototriton_from_northern_Vietnam_(Amphibia_Urodela_Salamandridae)

The beautiful amphibian from Hell: scientists discover new crocodile newt in Vietnam

http://news.mongabay.com/2013/0318-hance-crocodilenewt-new.html

New newt species found in northern Vietnam 

http://www.thanhniennews.com/index/pages/20130307-new-newt-species-found-in-northern-vietnam.aspx

http://www.vnmn.ac.vn/news.php?cat=21&id=595

[Herpetology • 2012] Niche segregation in microhabitat use of three sympatric Cyrtodactylus; Cyrtodactylus phongnhakebangensis, C. cryptus & C. roesleri in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Central Vietnam

three sympatric Cyrtodactylus; Cyrtodactylus phongnhakebangensis, C. cryptus & C. roesleri in their microhabitats at the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Central Vietnam

Abstract

We collected field data to characterize and segregate the microhabitat use of the three sympatric bent-toed geckos Cyrtodactylus phongnhakebangensis, C. cryptus, and C. roesleri.  These species were recently discovered to occur in one of the last remaining karstic rainforest formations in Vietnam, the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park of Central Vietnam. Between July and September 2010, we found 126 individual geckos in six independent areas by visual encounter surveys.  We assessed habitat data in order to enable a microsite comparison of the different species.  We found syntopic occupation of one study site by  C. phongnhakebangensis  and  C. roesleri, and sympatric occurrence with  C. cryptus.  Our study shows niche segregation in microsite use for C. cryptus and niche overlap for C. roesleri with C. phongnhakebangensis. It may be inferred that the syntopic sibling species did not develop microhabitat partitioning, while the sympatric gecko adjusted to occupy different types of habitat. 

Key Words: Bent-toed Gecko; Gekkonidae; habitat preferences; karst forest; Squamata.

Loos, J., Dang, N. K.., von Wehrden, H. & Ziegler, T. 2012. Niche segregation in microhabitat use of three sympatric Cyrtodactylus in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Central Vietnam. Herpetological Conservation and Biology. 7(1):101−108. http://herpconbio.org/Volume_7/Issue_1/Loos_etal_2012.pdf

[Herpetology • 2011] Cyrtodactylus pageli • A new species of karst dwelling Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Vientiane Province, northwestern Laos

Cyrtodactylus pageli Schneider, Nguyen, Schmitz, Kingsada, Auer, & Ziegler, 2011

Abstract

We describe a new species of the gekkonid genus Cyrtodactylus from northwestern Laos, based on a recent collection from Vientiane Province. Cyrtodactylus pageli sp. n. is distinguished from the remaining bent-toed-geckos by the combination of the following characters: snout-vent length up to 81.8 mm; 9–12 supralabials; 9 infralabials; 9–14 rows of dorsal tubercles; no distinct lateral body fold; 41–46 midbody ventrals; precloacal pores present in both sexes (males 4, females 5 or 6); no precloacal groove; femoral scales not distinctly enlarged; no femoral pores; subdigital lamellae under the fourth toe 19–26; subcaudals transversally enlarged; dark nuchal band, followed by a transversal row of dark neck blotches (rarely forming an additional transversal neck band) in-between nuchal band and first body band; 5 in part irregular dark dorsal bands between limb insertions plus transversal band between hind limbs; tail with banded pattern.

Key words: Squamata, Gekkonidae, Cyrtodactylus pageli sp. n., taxonomy, Laos

Schneider N., Nguyen T.Q., Schmitz A., Kingsada P., Auer M. & Ziegler T. 2011. A new species of karst dwelling Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from northwestern Laos. Zootaxa. 2930: 1–21.

http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2011/f/z02930p021f.pdf

[Herpetology • 2011] Cyrtodactylus teyniei • A new species of the genus Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from central Laos

Cyrtodactylus teyniei David, Nguyen, Scheider, & Ziegler, 2011

Abstract

A new species of the gekkonid genus Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827, Cyrtodactylus teyniei spec. nov., is described based on a single adult female from Borikhamxay Province, central Laos. It is distinguished from any other Cyrtodactylus species by the combination of the following characters: (1) SVL 89.9 mm, (2) longitudinal rows of dorsal tubercles 19, (3) ventral scales in 38 rows between ventrolateral skin folds, (4) ventrolateral skin folds without tubercles, (5) enlarged femoral and precloacal scales 54 (precloacal scales 8, plus 23 femoral scales on each side), (6) precloacal depression lacking, (7) precloacal pores 14, (8) subdigital lamellae under the firth toe 19–20, (9) enlarged median subcaudals, and (10) nuchal band

absent, dorsum with blotched pattern. An extended comparison with other species of the genus Cyrtodactylus, in particular species recently described from Laos and Vietnam, is provided. Cyrtodactylus teyniei spec. nov. is the seventh species of Cyrtodactylus known to occur in Laos.

Key words: Laos, Reptiles, Squamata, Gekkonidae, Cyrtodactylus, Cyrtodactylus teyniei spec. nov., taxonomy

David P., Nguyen T.Q., Scheider N., & Ziegler N. 2011. A new species of the genus Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 from central Laos (Squamata: Gekkonidae). Zootaxa. 2833: 29–40. http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2011/f/z02833p040f.pdf

http://forum.zoologist.ru/viewtopic.php?pid=222997#p222997

[Herpetology • 2010] Cyrtodactylus wayakonei • A New Species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Luang Nam Tha Province, northern Laos

Cyrtodactylus wayakonei

Nguyen, Kingsada, Rösler, Auer & Ziegler, 2010

Abstract

We describe a new species of the gekkonid genus Cyrtodactylus from northern Laos, based on four specimens from Luang Nam Tha Province. Cyrtodactylus wayakonei sp. n. is distinguished from the remaining bent-toed-geckos by the combination of the following characters: snout-vent length up to 90 mm; 7–8 supralabials; 9–10 infralabials; rostrum bearing smooth scales; 34–45 scales between fifth supralabials; dorsal tubercles smooth or slightly keeled; 17–19 dorsal tubercle rows; ventrolateral folds slightly developed, with large tubercles; 31–35 ventrals; 85–98 scales around midbody; 151–163 scales between mental and cloacal slit; 6–8 precloacal pores in both sexes; precloacal groove lacking; enlarged femoral scales absent; femoral pores lacking; subcaudals somewhat enlarged, broadened; tail tubercles flat, smooth; head and dorsum with blotched to reticulated pattern.

Key words: Squamata, Gekkonidae, Cyrtodactylus wayakonei sp. n.; taxonomy; Laos

Etymology. The new Cyrtodactylus species is named after Associate Professor Dr. Sengdeuane Wayakone, Director, Office of Planning and International Cooperation, National University of Laos, in recognition of his efforts to investigate and protect biodiversity in Laos.

Nguyen, T.Q., Kingsada, P., Rösler, H., Auer, M., & Ziegler, T., 2010. A new species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from northern Laos. Zootaxa. 2652: 1–16. http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2010/f/z02652p016f.pdf

http://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Cyrtodactylus&species=wayakonei

 YUAN, Si-Qi & RAO Ding-Qi 2011. A new record of a Gekkonid (Cyrtodactylus wayakonei) from Yunnan, China. Zoological Research. 32(6): 684−688. http://www.bioline.org.br/request?zr11099