[Herpetology • 2026] Scincella ngati • A New Skink of the Genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 (Squamata: Scincidae) from Dak Lak Province, Vietnam

 

Scincella ngati

A. V. Pham, Do, T. Q. Nguyen, Hoang, M. H. T. Nguyen, M. Le, M. D. Le, Ziegler & C. T. Pham, 2026 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1275.178070

Abstract

A new species of the genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 is described from south-central Vietnam based on morphological and molecular evidence. Scincella ngati sp. nov. is characterized by a combination of the following characters: size medium (SVL up to 48.3 mm); primary temporals two; external ear opening without lobules; loreals two; supralabials seven (rarely 8); infralabials six; enlarged nuchals, 0–2; midbody scales in 32–34 rows; dorsal scales smooth, in eight rows across the back; paravertebral scales 68–70, not widened; ventral scales in 64–68 rows; 10 or 11 smooth lamellae beneath finger IV and 16 or 17 beneath toe IV; toes not reaching the fingers when limbs adpressed along body; dorsal surface of body and tail bronze brown with a discontinuous black vertebral stripe, one scale wide, from middle of neck to tail base; a black stripe, two scales wide, interrupted by small pale spots, from nostril to eye and extending from posterior margin of eye along upper part of flank and tail base. In the phylogenetic analyses, the new species is recovered as an independent lineage with no clear sister taxon and shows at least 11.2% genetic divergence from other species in the genus based on a fragment of the mitochondrial COI gene.

Key words: COI, Krong Trai Nature Reserve, molecular phylogeny, morphology, taxonomy

Holotype of Scincella ngati sp. nov. (IB R.6445) in life, adult male.

Paratypes of Scincella ngati sp. nov. in life.
 A. Dorsolateral view (IB R. 6447, male) B. Dorsolateral view (IB R. 6452, female).

Scincella ngati sp. nov.

Diagnosis. The new species can be distinguished from other species of Scincella by a combination of the following characteristics: size medium (SVL ≤ 48.3 mm); primary temporals two; external ear opening without lobules; loreals two; supralabials seven (rarely eight); infralabials six; enlarged nuchals 0–2 on each side; midbody scales in 32–34 rows; dorsal scales smooth, in eight rows across the back; paravertebral scales 68–70, not widened; ventral scales in 64–68 rows; 10 or 11 smooth lamellae beneath finger IV and 16 or 17 beneath toe IV; toes not reaching the fingers when limbs adpressed along body; dorsal surface of body and tail bronze brown with a discontinuous black vertebral stripe, one scale wide, from middle of neck to tail base; a black stripe, two scales wide, interrupted by small pale spots, running from nostril to eye and extending from posterior margin of eye along upper part of flank and tail base.

 Anh Van Pham, Dang Trong Do, Truong Quang Nguyen, Chung Van Hoang, Mai Hong Thi Nguyen, Minh Le, Minh Duc Le, Thomas Ziegler and Cuong The Pham. 2026. A New skink of the Genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 (Squamata, Scincidae) from Dak Lak Province, Vietnam. ZooKeys. 1275: 275-298. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1275.178070 [31 Mar. 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Hemiphyllodactylus ziegleri • A New karst-dwelling Gecko Species (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Son La Province, Vietnam

 

 Hemiphyllodactylus ziegleri

Pham, Nguyen, Pham, Ngo & Le, 2026

Thạch sùng dẹp ziegler  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1268.174678 

Abstract

Based on morphological and molecular analyses, a new species of Hemiphyllodactylus is described from Son La Province, northern Vietnam. Hemiphyllodactylus ziegleri sp. nov. differs from its sister taxon, a paraphyletic H. yunnanensis, and other members of the genus Hemiphyllodactylus by at least 14% in terms of genetic divergence based on a fragment of the ND2 mitochondrial gene and a combination of the following morphological characters: SVL of adult males 38.7–41.9 mm and adult females 47.0–49.3 mm; dorsal scale rows 21–27; ventral scale rows 12–16; chin scales bordering mental and first infralabial distinctly enlarged; digital lamellae formula 3444 (forefoot) and 4555/4 (hindfoot); femoral pores absent; precloacal pores 21–23 in males, absent in females; cloacal spur single, present in both sexes; dorsal trunk pattern yellowish grey; body with a discontinuous light dorsolateral stripe. Our discovery increases the number of species within the genus to 73.

Key words: Copia Nature Reserve, morphology, ND2 mitochondrial gene, northern Vietnam, taxonomy

The male holotype of Hemiphyllodactylus ziegleri sp. nov. (HUS.2025.06) in life.
A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view.

Photos: Anh Van Pham.

Hemiphyllodactylus ziegleri sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis. A bisexual taxon; SVL of adult males 38.7–41.9 mm, adult females 47.0–49.3 mm; dorsal scale rows 21–27; ventral scale rows 12–16; chin scales bordering mental and first infralabial distinctly enlarged; digital lamellae formula 3444 (forefoot) and 4555/4 (hindfoot);femoral and precloacal pores 21–23 in males, absent in females; cloacal spur single, present in both sexes; dorsal trunk pattern yellowish grey; body with a discontinuous light dorsolateral stripe.

 Anh Van Pham, Truong Quang Nguyen, Cuong The Pham, Hanh Thi Ngo and Minh Duc Le. 2026. Hemiphyllodactylus ziegleri sp. nov. (Squamata, Gekkonidae), A New karst-dwelling Gecko Species from Son La Province, Vietnam. ZooKeys. 1268: 75-94. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1268.174678 [04 Feb 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Leptobrachella deocaensis • A New Species of Leptobrachella Smith, 1925 (Anura: Megophryidae) from the coastal forest of Dak Lak Province, Vietnam

Leptobrachella deocaensis 

 Do, Nguyen, Hoang, Ziegler & Pham, 2026

Cóc mày đèo cả  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1267.177118 

Abstract

A new species of Leptobrachella is described from the coastal forest of Deo Ca Mountain in Dak Lak Province, Vietnam, based on morphological differences and genetic divergences in 16S rRNA mitochondrial gene sequences. The new species is distinguished from other species of the genus Leptobrachella by body size, dorsal skin texture, absence of ventrolateral and femoral glands, absence of lateral fringes on fingers and toes, color pattern of head and body, and iris color. The new species is divergent from other congeners by at least 6.34% uncorrected genetic distance (16S rRNA gene). Leptobrachella deocaensis sp. nov. is genetically closest to L. macrops from Vietnam, with strong nodal support from both BI and ML analyses (1.00/98).

Key words: Asian Leaf-litter toads, Deo Ca Mountain, genetic divergence, Leptobrachella deocaensis sp. nov., morphology, taxonomy

Holotype of Leptobrachella deocaensis sp. nov. in life (IB A.6440, male).
A. Dorsolateral view; B. Ventral view; C. Underside of right foot; D. Underside of left hand; E. Cloacal and hamstrings area. Scale bars: 5 mm (C, D).

Female paratypes of Leptobrachella deocaensis sp. nov. in life in dorsolateral view.
 A. IB A.6441; B. IB A.6443.

Leptobrachella deocaensis sp. nov.

 Dang Trong Do, Truong Quang Nguyen, Chung Van Hoang, Thomas Ziegler and Cuong The Pham. 2026. A New Species of Leptobrachella Smith, 1925 (Anura, Megophryidae) from the coastal forest of Dak Lak Province, Vietnam. ZooKeys. 1267: 15-30. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1267.177118 

[20 Jan 2026]

[Herpetology • 2025] Cyrtodactylus arnei • A New Species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Hon Tre Island in Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam

Cyrtodactylus arnei

Q. H. Do, Ngo, Nguyen, Le, Ziegler, D. T. Do & Pham, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1253.149459 

Abstract

A new species of the genus Cyrtodactylus is described from Khanh Hoa Province, South-central Vietnam based on genetic divergence and morphological differences. Cyrtodactylus arnei sp. nov. is distinguished from the remaining Indochinese bent–toed geckos of the Cyrtodactylus irregularis group by having the unique combination of the following characteristics: size medium (SVL 70.9–78.0 mm); dorsal tubercles in 15–17 irregular rows; 34 or 35 ventral scale rows; 12–15 enlarged femoral scales on each side, in continuous series without gap between precloacal and femoral scales; precloacal pores absent in females, 5–7 in males, in a continuous row; femoral pores absent; postcloacal spurs 0–3 on each side; 19–21 lamellae under toe IV; dorsal pattern between limb insertions consisting of four narrow light bands with dark edges and a transversal row of dark spots in the middle; subcaudal scales enlarged, forming broad transverse plates. In phylogenetic analyses, the new species was nested within the Cyrtodactylus irregularis group without any clear sister taxon. Genetically, Cyrtodactylus arnei sp. nov. is divergent from other species within the Cyrtodactylus irregularis group by at least 10.97% (COI) and 14.39% (ND2) based on two fragments of the mitochondrial gene.

Key words: Cyrtodactylus arnei sp. nov., Cyrtodactylus irregularis group, morphology, phylogenetic relationships, taxonomy

Cyrtodactylus arnei sp. nov. 
The male holotype (IEBR R.6365, SVL 74.8 mm, TL 107.2 mm) in life.  
The female paratype (IEBR R.6371, SVL 71.3 mm, TL 103.5 mm) in life.

Photos: Cuong The Pham.

 Cyrtodactylus arnei sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis. The new species can be distinguished from other members of the Cyrtodactylus irregularis group by a combination of the following characteristics: size medium (SVL 70.9–78.0 mm); dorsal tubercles in 15–17 irregular rows; 34 or 35 ventral scale rows; 12–15 enlarged femoral scales on each side, in continuous series without gap between precloacal and femoral scales; precloacal pores absent in females, 5–7 in males, in a continuous row; femoral pores absent; postcloacal spurs 0–3 on each side; 19–21 lamellae under toe IV; dorsal pattern between limb insertions consisting four narrow light bands with dark edges and a transversal row of dark spots in the middle; subcaudal scales enlarged, forming broad transverse plates. 

Etymology. The new species is named after Dr. Arne Schulze, Executive Director of the Zoological Society for Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP) to honor his great commitment and support for herpetological research and conservation in Vietnam, in particular within the scope of the Zoo Species of the Year – The Gecko Conservation Campaign 2024.

 Quyen Hanh Do, Hanh Thi Ngo, Truong Quang Nguyen, Minh Duc Le, Thomas Ziegler, Dang Trong Do and Cuong The Pham. 2025. A New Species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from Hon Tre Island in Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. ZooKeys. 1253: 195-218. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1253.149459 

[Herpetology • 2025] Acanthosaura grismeri • Unexpected Diversity of Pricklenape Agamas in Vietnam: Another New Cryptic Species of Acanthosaura Gray 1831 (Reptilia: Agamidae) from the Central Highlands

Acanthosaura grismeri 

 Le, T. T. Nguyen, T. Q. Nguyen, Ziegler, Do & Ngo, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5686.3.3

Abstract

Based on integrative taxonomic analyses, we describe a new species of Acanthosaura from Krong Bong forest, Dak Lak Province, the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Acanthosaura grismeri sp. nov. differs morphologically from its congeners by a combination of the following characteristics: size moderate (SVL 77.20-91.98 mm in males, 102.70-113.09 mm in females); the absence of diastema between short nuchal and dorsal crest spines; vertebral crest includes a single row of enlarged, keeled, pointed scales; color of dorsal surface green in males and light brown and green-yellow with scattered black spots in females; the absence of black eye patch; black or brown lines from canthus rostralis-supraciliary line downward to upper eye margin, and a white band from lower eye margin downward to lip edge. Phylogenetic analyses using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods for the COI gene support the monophyly of Acanthosaura grismeri sp. nov. The uncorrected pairwise distance between the new species and its congeners ranges from 7.82% to 25.36%. With the description of this species, 22 species of Acanthosaura are recognized, half of them occurring in Vietnam.

 Reptilia,  Acanthosaura grismeri sp. nov., Agamidae, Morphology, Phylogeny, Taxonomy, COI, Dak Lak Province

Acanthosaura grismeri sp. nov.

Linh Tu Hoang LE, Tao Thien NGUYEN, Truong Quang NGUYEN, Thomas ZIEGLER, Dang Trong DO and Hai Ngoc NGO. 2025. Unexpected Diversity of Pricklenape Agamas in Vietnam: Another New Cryptic Species of Acanthosaura Gray 1831 (Reptilia: Agamidae) from the Central Highlands. Zootaxa. 5686(3); 373-392. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5686.3.3 [2025-08-28]

[Herpetology • 2025] Microhyla roedderi • A New Species of Microhyla (Anura: Microhylidae), with an extended description of Microhyla nanapollexa from Vietnam

Microhyla roedderi 

 Hoang, Pham, Nguyen, Phan, Ziegler, Orlov, Jiang  & Do, 2025 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5566.2.6 

  Researchgate.net/publication/387824484

 instagram.com/thomas_ziegler_work_group

 

Abstract

Based on morphological and molecular evidences, we describe a new species of Microhyla (Nanohyla) from Deo Ca Mountain in Vietnam. The new species differs from congeners by high genetic divergences in 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA sequences (9.31–11.28 %), surpassing known genetic distances between other recognized species of the subgenus Nanohyla. The new species revealed to be sister to M. nanapollexa from Kon Tum Province, Vietnam. Based on new findings of the latter species, including the first known males, we provide an extended diagnosis of M. nanapollexa including the first record from Kon Tum Province, Vietnam.

Amphibia, Microhyla roedderi sp. nov., Deo Ca Mountain, khanh hoa, Phu yen, morphology, molecular phylogeny, taxonomy

Microhyla roedderi sp. nov.

Chung Van HOANG, Cuong The PHAM, Truong Quang NGUYEN, Tien Quang PHAN, Thomas ZIEGLER, Nikolai ORLOV, Jianping JIANG and Dang Trong DO. 2025. A New Species of Microhyla (Amphibia: Anura: Microhylidae), with an extended description of Microhyla nanapollexa from Vietnam.  Zootaxa. 5566(2); 347-369. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5566.2.6

  instagram.com/p/DEkHlcMs7za/?img_index=1thomas_ziegler_work_group

  Researchgate.net/publication/387824484_A_new_species_of_Microhyla_from_Vietnam

New species: Roedder’s Narrow-mouth frog (Microhyla roedderi)

https://www.d-roedder.de/2025/01/09/new-species-roedders-narrow-mouth-frog-microhyla-roedderi

[Herpetology • 2019] Amolops ottorum • A New Species of Amolops (Anura: Ranidae) from Vietnam

 Amolops ottorum 

Pham, Sung, Pham, Le, Ziegler & Nguyen, 2019 

 Son La Sucker Frog | Ếch bám đá sơn la  ||  LKCNHM.nus.edu.sg/rbz/volume-67 

Abstract

 A new species of Amolops is described from northwestern Vietnam based on morphological differences and molecular divergence. Morphologically, Amolops ottorum, new species, is distinguishable from its congeners on the basis of a combination of the following diagnostic characters: size small (SVL 47.5–48.2 mm in females); head longer than wide; vomerine teeth absent; snout short (SE/SVL 0.14–0.15); tympanum dark brown, small (TD/ ED 0.36–0.37 in females); skin smooth; supratympanic fold absent; dorsolateral fold absent; webbing formula I 0―1/3 II 0―1 III 0―1 IV 2―0 V; in life, dorsum green with some dark brown spots; flanks with irregular dark markings; head and body with irregular dorsolateral cream stripe; dorsal surface of fore and hind limbs green with dark crossbars; throat, chest, anterior part of belly light-cream with brown dots; and posterior part of belly cream. In phylogenetic analyses, the new species is weakly supported as a sister taxon of Amolops tuberodepressus, and approximately 5.6% divergent from it based on a fragment of the cytochrome b gene. 

Key words. Amolops, molecular phylogeny, Muong La, new species, Son La Province, taxonomy

  Dorsolateral view (A) and ventral view (B) of the female holotype (IEBR 4243) of  Amolops ottorum, new species, in life.

Photo = A. V. Pham.

Dorsolateral view of the female paratype (TBU 06) of Amolops ottorum, new species, in life.

Photo = A. V. Pham.

Amolops ottorum, new species

Diagnosis. The new Amolops species from Son La Province is assigned to the A. mantzorum species group on the basis of the following characters: the absence of a dorsolateral fold and the absence of circummarginal groove on the disc of the first finger (Fei et al., 2009, 2017). The new species is also supported as a member of the A. mantzorum species group based on the molecular analyses (Fig. 2). Amolops ottorum, new species is distinguishable from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) size small (SVL 47.5–48.2 mm in females); (2) head longer than wide; (3) vomerine teeth absent; (4) snout short (SE/ SVL 0.14–0.15); (5) tympanum dark brown, small (TD/ED 0.36–0.37 in females); (6) skin smooth; (7) supratympanic fold absent; (8) dorsolateral fold absent; (9) webbing formula I 0–1/3 II 0–1 III 0–1 IV 2–0 V; (10) in life, dorsum green with some dark brown spots; (11) flanks with irregular dark markings; (12) head and body with irregular dorsolateral cream stripe; (13) dorsal surface of fore and hind limbs green with dark crossbars; (14) throat, chest and anterior part of belly light-cream with brown dots, posterior part of belly cream.

Distribution. Amolops ottorum, new species is currently known only from the type locality in Muong La District, Son La Province, Vietnam (Fig. 1). 

Etymology. The species name, ottorum, is the plural possessive form of Mrs Otti Ziegler and Mr Otto Ziegler, who facilitated herpetological research collaborations between Vietnam and Germany. For the common names we suggest Son La Sucker Frog (English) and Ếch bám đá sơn la (Vietnamese). 

Ecological notes. The holotype was collected at 1905 hours on leaves, ca. 1.5 m above the ground and the paratype was collected at 500 hours on a rock nearby a stream. The surrounding habitat was secondary forest of medium and large hardwoods mixed with shrubs (Fig. 6). Air temperature was 17–22°C and relative humidity was 80–85%. Other amphibian species found at the site were Leptobrachium sp., Leptobrachella sp., Quasipaa delacouri (Angel), Odorrana jingdongensis Fei, Ye & Li, and Kurixalus bisacculus (Taylor).

Anh Van Pham, Nenh Ba Sung, Cuong The Pham, Minh Duc Le, Thomas Ziegler and Truong Quang Nguyen. 2019. A New Species of Amolops (Anura: Ranidae) from Vietnam. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 67: 363–377. lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/publications/raffles-bulletin-of-

zoology/volumes/volume-67 

   

[Herpetology • 2023] Leptobrachella phiaoacensis & L. phiadenensis • Two New Species of Leptobrachella Smith 1925 (Anura: Megophryidae) from Cao Bang Province, Vietnam

Leptobrachella sp. 

Luong, Hoang, Pham, Ziegler & Nguyen, 2023

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5369.3.1 

 instagram.com/thomas_ziegler_work_group

Abstract

Two new species, Leptobrachella phiaoacensis sp. nov. and Leptobrachella phiadenensis sp. nov., are described from Phia Oac-Phia Den National Park, Cao Bang Province, Vietnam based on genetic divergence and morphological differences. Leptobrachella phiaoacensis sp. nov. is characterized by a combination of the following characters: size medium (27.8–33.3 mm in five adult males and 31.5–41.8 mm in five adult females); head longer than wide; tympanum distinct; dorsal skin shagreened with fine tubercles; toes webbing rudimentary, with narrow lateral fringes; supratympanic fold edged by a distinct black line; the presence of a dark brown triangle in interorbital region and a W-shaped marking in scapular region; belly from pinkish white to white with dark brown specking on belly periphery; iris bicolored copper in upper part, fading to silvery grey in lower part. Leptobrachella phiadenensis sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: size medium (27.6–28.6 mm in two adult females); head wider than long; tympanum distinct; skin on dorsal head and body rough with warts, tubercles and dermal ridges; toes webbing rudimentary, with narrow dermal fringes; supratympanic fold orange; dorsal surface of head and body with some large dark brown markings, a dark brown triangle in interorbital region, edged in white; flank light brown with some dark flecks; belly white with dark specking on outer margins; iris bicolored, copper in upper part, fading to silvery grey in lower part. In terms of genetic distance, the two new species differ from each other and other congeners for which comparable sequences are available by at least 3.7% (16S rRNA gene). Recognition of these new species brings the total number of known species in the genus Leptobrachella from Vietnam to 34.

Keywords: Amphibia, Leptobrachella phiaoacensis sp. nov., Leptobrachella phiadenensis sp. nov., Phia Oac-Phia Den National Park, phylogenetics, taxonomy 

Leptobrachella phiaoacensis sp. nov.,

Leptobrachella phiadenensis sp. nov.

Anh Mai Luong, Chung Van Hoang, Cuong The Pham, Thomas Ziegler and Truong Quang Nguyen. 2023. Two New Species of Leptobrachella Smith 1925 (Amphibia: Megophryidae) from Cao Bang Province, Vietnam. Zootaxa. 5369(3); 301-335. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5369.3.1  instagram.com/p/CzrPvc8SQs2

Researchgate.net/publication/375551570_Two_new_species_of_Leptobrachella_from_Cao_Bang_Province_Vietnam

[Herpetology • 2023] Cyrtodactylus chumuensis & C. arndti • The Discovery of Two New Species in the Cyrtodactylus irregularis Group (Squamata: Gekkonidae) highlights that Hidden Diversity remains in the Largest Clade of the Mega-diverse Genus Cyrtodactylus

Cyrtodactylus chumuensis &
Cyrtodactylus arndti  

Ngo, Hormann, Le, Pham, Phung, Do, Ostrowski, Nguyen & Ziegler, 2023

 DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.875.2141

ABSTRACT

The Cyrtodactylus irregularis group, originally considered to consist of only one taxon, has been split into 26 species. We herein present the distribution of all species within the group in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam and describe two new species based on integrative analyses. Cyrtodactylus chumuensis sp. nov. is discovered from Dak Lak Province and distinguished from the remaining taxa by more than 11.86% genetic divergence and by the following distinct morphological characters: size medium (SVL 67.5 mm); enlarged femoral scales on each thigh 4–5, femoral pores 0–2 in males; precloacal pores 6–7 in males; ventral scale rows 43–45; lamellae under toe IV 17–21. Cyrtodactylus arndti sp. nov. is described from Binh Dinh Province and genetically differentiated from its congeners by a minimum of 11.42% and by the following characters: adult size medium (SVL 73.4–80.8 mm); enlarged femoral scales on each thigh 5–11; femoral pores 0–2 in males; 6 precloacal pores in males, females with 6 pitted precloacal pores; ventral scale rows 26–38; lamellae under toe IV 17–22; subcaudal scales transversely enlarged. Additionally, we highlight the potential cryptic diversity with the taxon currently regarded as C. pseudoquadrivirgatus and understudied areas in Vietnam where new species will likely  be discovered.

 

Keywords: Cyrtodactylus chumuensis sp. nov., Cyrtodactylus arndti sp. nov., molecular phylogeny, taxonomy, Vietnam 

Cyrtodactylus chumuensis sp. nov., holotype, ♂ (IEBR R.4928), in life.
Cyrtodactylus arndti sp. nov., holotype, ♂ (IEBR R.4930), in life.

Cyrtodactylus chumuensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: The new species can be distinguished from remaining congeners of the irregularis species group by a combination of the following characters: maximum SVL 67.5 mm; dorsal pattern with 6 irregularly shaped and short longitudinal stripes on the neck; nuchal band thin, interrupted, reaching the posterior margin of the orbits; the absence of transversely enlarged median subcaudal scales; 4 or 5 enlarged femoral scales on each thigh, 17–19 distinctly enlarged precloacal scales; males with 0 or 1 femoral pore on each thigh, 6 or 7 precloacal pores in a continuous series, ˄-shaped; ventral scales 43–45; dorsal tubercles in 20 irregular longitudinal rows; precloacal groove absent; internasal scales 2; supralabials 8–14; infralabials 9–11; number of subdigital lamellae on fourth finger 16–19 and on fourth toe 19–21.

Etymology: The new species is named after its type locality, Chu Mu Mountain in Dak Lak Province. We propose the following common names: Chu Mu Bent-toed Gecko (English), Thạch sùng ngón chư mư (Vietnamese).

 

 Cyrtodactylus arndti sp. nov.

Diagnosis: The new species of Cyrtodactylus is distinguished from remaining congeners of the C. irregularis species group by a combination of the following characters: SVL: 73.4–80.9 mm; dorsal pattern with 6 or 7 irregularly shaped bands; moderately broad nuchal band; original tail with irregular transverse bands; subcaudals transversely enlarged; 5–11 enlarged femoral scales; males with 0–2 pitted femoral pores, those absence in females; males with 6 precloacal pores, females with 6 pitted precloacal pores, pore-bearing scales arranged in a single ˄-shaped series; ventral scales 26–38; dorsal tubercles in 17–20 irregular longitudinal rows; precloacal groove absent; supralabials 8–13; infralabials 8–12; number of subdigital lamellae on fourth finger 15–20 and on fourth toe 17–22.

Etymology: We name this species in honor of our colleague, Prof. Dr. Hartmut Arndt, Institute of Zoology, University of Cologne, Germany, in recognition of his support for biodiversity research in Vietnam. As common names, we suggest Arndt’s Bent-toed Gecko (English) and Thằn lằn ngón arndt (Vietnamese).

Hanh Thi Ngo, Helene Hormann, Minh Duc Le, Cuong The Pham, Trung My Phung, Dang Trong Do, Sabrina Ostrowski, Truong Quang Nguyen and Thomas Ziegler. 2023.  The Discovery of Two New Species in the Cyrtodactylus irregularis Group highlights that Hidden Diversity remains in the Largest Clade of the Mega-diverse Genus Cyrtodactylus. European Journal of Taxonomy. 875, 70–100. DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.875.2141

[Herpetology • 2023] Hemiphyllodactylus lungcuensis • A New Species of Hemiphyllodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Ha Giang Province, Vietnam

Hemiphyllodactylus lungcuensis

Luu, Nguyen, Do, Pham, Hoang, Nguyen, Le, Ziegler, Grismer et Grismer, 2023.

Lungcu Slender Gecko | Thạch sùng dẹp lũng cú  ||  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1167.103713

Abstract

An integrative analysis recovered a new species of the Hemiphyllodactylus typus group from a karst formation in Lung Cu Commune, Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province, northeastern Vietnam. Hemiphyllodactylus lungcuensis sp. nov. is embedded within clade 6 of the typus group, bearing an uncorrected pairwise sequence divergence of 4.6–20.2% from all other species based on a 1,038 base pair segment of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 gene (ND2). It is diagnosable from other species in clade 6 by statistically significant mean differences in normalized morphometric, meristic, and categorical characters. A multiple factor analysis using the three aforementioned character types recovered its unique, non-overlapping placement in morphospace as statistically significantly different from that of all other species in clade 6. The description of this new Hemiphyllodactylus species contributes to a growing body of literature underscoring the high degree of herpetological diversity and endemism in karst landscapes in Vietnam as well as in the genus Hemiphyllodactylus.

Key words: Genetics, Hemiphyllodactylus lungcuensis sp. nov., integrative approach, karst forest, morphology, Southeast Asia

Dorsal views of Hemiphyllodactylus lungcuensis sp. nov. in life from Ha Giang Province, northeastern Vietnam
A adult male holotype VNUF R.2021.01 B adult female paratype VNUF R.2021.08.

 Hemiphyllodactylus lungcuensis sp. nov.

  Verbatim name. Lungcu Slender Gecko

 

Diagnosis: Hemiphyllodactylus lungcuensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: a maximum SVL of 44.2 mm; trunk not particularly elongate (AG/SVL ratio 0.52); chin scales 8–10, distinct enlarged postmentals; circumnasal scales two or three; supralabial scales 11 or 12; infralabial scales 10 or 11; ventral scale rows 6–9; dorsal scale rows 12–16; digital lamellae formula 4(3)–4–5(4)–4 (forefoot) and 4–5–5–5 (hindfoot); precloacal pores 17–25 and continuous series in males, 0–22 pitted precloacal scales in females; cloacal spur single in both sexes; enlarged subcaudal scales absent; dorsal surface brown sand color, with irregular dark brown streaks; a distinct dark postorbital stripe extending to at least the base of the neck, uneven dark streaks running along the flanks and ending at the base of tail, a cream-colored V-shaped postsacral mark with anteriorly projecting arms; a pale yellow ventral view of the body and limbs; and unpigmented caecum and gonads.

Etymology: Specific epithet lungcuensis is a toponym in reference to the type locality [Lung Cu Commune, Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province] of the species. For the common names, we suggest Lungcu Slender Gecko (English) and Thạch sùng dẹp lũng cú (Vietnamese).

Vinh Quang Luu, Thuong Huyen Nguyen, Quyen Hanh Do, Cuong The Pham, Tuoi Thi Hoang, Truong Quang Nguyen, Minh Duc Le, Thomas Ziegler, Jesse L. Grismer and L. Lee Grismer. 2023. A New Species of Hemiphyllodactylus (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from Ha Giang Province, Vietnam. ZooKeys. 1167: 353-382. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1167.103713

[Herpetology • 2019] Calamaria dominici • A New Species of Reed Snake, Calamaria Boie, 1827 (Squamata: Colubridae) from the Central Highlands of Vietnam

Calamaria dominici Ziegler, Tran & Nguyen, 

in Ziegler, Tran, Babb, Jones, ... et Nguyen, 2019. 

 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.2619512  

 wildlifeatrisk.org 

Abstract  

A new species of Calamaria Boie, 1827 is described based on a single specimen collected in evergreen forest at 1240 m elevation of Ta Dung Nature Reserve in Dak Nong Province, Central Vietnam. The new species is characterized by (1) rostral wider than high; (2) paraparietal surrounded by six shields and scales; (3) eye diameter larger than eyemouth distance; (4) preocular present; (5) supralabials 5/4, 3-4/2-3 entering orbit; (6) maxillary teeth nine, modified; (7) infralabials 5/4, first three touching anterior chin shields; (8) mental touching tip of right anterior chin shield; (9) ventrals 1 + 174; subcaudal scales 18/17, divided; (10) precloacal plate single; (11) tail relatively short (6.2% of the total length), nearly as thick as body, slightly tapering, and ending in obtuse point; (12) dorsal scales reducing to six rows at position above 4th subcaudal, and to four rows above 13th subcaudal on tail; (13) dorsum dark with irregular yellow blotches; and (14) ventral side dark with few yellow blotches and bands. This is the sixth new Calamaria species described from Vietnam in the past thirteen years and the tenth species of Calamaria recorded from this country.

KEYWORDS: Calamaria, Serpentes, taxonomy, Dak Nong Province, Vietnam

 Holotype of Calamaria dominici sp. nov. (IEBR R.2018.1) in life.

Photo R. D. Babb.

 Holotype of Calamaria dominici sp. nov. (IEBR R.2018.1) in life. 

Photo R. D. Babb.

    

Fig. 2. Head views of the holotype of Calamaria dominici sp. nov. (IEBR R.2018.1) in life.

 Photos R. W. Van Devender.

Calamaria dominici Ziegler, Tran & Nguyen sp. nov.

Diagnosis: A species of the genus Calamaria characterized by the combination of the following characters: (1) rostral wider than high; (2) paraparietal surrounded by six shields and scales; (3) eye diameter larger than eye-mouth distance; (4) preocular present; (5) supralabials 5/4, 3-4/2-3 entering orbit; (6) maxillary teeth nine, modified; (7) infralabials 5/4, first three touching anterior chin shields; (8) mental touching tip of right anterior chin shield; (9) ventrals 1 + 174; subcaudal scales 18/17, divided; (10) precloacal plate single; (11) tail relatively short (6.2% of the total length), nearly as thick as body, slightly tapering, and ending in obtuse point; (12) dorsal scales reducing to six rows at position above 4th subcaudal, and to four rows above 13th subcaudal on tail; (13) dorsum dark with irregular yellow blotches; and (14) ventral side dark with few yellow blotches and bands.

Etymology: Named dominici to honor Dominic T. Charles Scriven, founder of Wildlife at Risk (WAR), for his contribution towards wildlife conservation in Vietnam.

Suggested common names: Dominic's reed snake (English), 

Ran mai gam do-mi-nic (Vietnamese), 

Cala maire de Dominic (French), 

and Dominics Zwergschlange (German).

Distribution: Calamaria dominici is currently known only from the type locality (Fig. 5).

Natural history: The holotype was found in evergreen mixed forest of broadleaf and conifer trees. The snake was discovered on a forest path near a small creek, for about 50 m distance from a large creek (Figs 6–7). It was found, surface active, in a densely vegetated boggy area at 11:30. The surrounding habitat was primary forest consisting of dense understory punctuated with large boulders scattered over a ca. 20° slope that descended to a large creek. Dissection of the female holotype revealed ovaries with some eggs enlarge to 4 mm.

 Fig. 7. Habitat of Calamaria dominici sp. nov. in Ta Dung Nature Reserve, Dak Nong Province, Central Highlands, Vietnam.

 Photo R. D. Babb.

Fig. 6. Ta Dung Nature Reserve, Dak Nong Province, Central Highlands, Vietnam.

Photo V. A. Tran.  

Thomas Ziegler, Vu A. Tran, Randall D. Babb, Thomas R. Jones, Paul E. Moler, Robert W. Van Devender and Truong Q. Nguyen. 2019. A New Species of Reed Snake, Calamaria Boie, 1827 from the Central Highlands of Vietnam (Squamata: Colubridae). Revue suisse de zoologie; annales de la Société zoologique suisse et du Muséum d'histoire naturelle de Genève. 126(1); 17-26. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.2619512 

  wildlifeatrisk.org/2019/04/17/new-species-for-the-world

    

[Herpetology • 2020] Limnonectes phuyenensis • A New Species of Limnonectes (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from South-central Vietnam

Limnonectes phuyenensis 

 Pham, Do, Le, Ngo, Nguyen, Ziegler & Nguyen, 2020

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4894.3.5

  twitter.com/AmphSpecWorld 

Abstract

A new species of Limnonectes from Phu Yen Province, South-central Vietnam is described 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: SVL 49.8–77.9 mm in males, 40.8–61.8 mm in females; males with moderately enlarged head (HL/SVL 0.47, HW/SVL 0.48); head slightly broader than long (HL/HW 0.97 in males, 0.95 in females); vomerine teeth present; external vocal sacs absent; rostral length short (RL/SVL 0.15); tympanum invisible; dorsal surface of head, body and flanks with ridges and tubercles; dorsal surface of tibia and foot distinctly tuberculate, covered with moderately dense, small, low tubercles; supratympanic fold present; dorsolateral fold absent; Finger I with nuptial pad, composed of minute spines on dorsal surface and medial edge in males; toes webbed to distal of terminal phalanx, webbing formula I0–0II0–0III0–0IV0-–0V0; in life, dorsum yellowish brown with dark brown markings; ventral surface white with brown markings. In phylogenetic analyses, the new species from Vietnam and Limnonectes fastigatus as well as L. kiziriani form a clade, which is sister to L. fragilis from China, although the nodal support values for the set of relationships are insignificant from all analyses.

Keywords: Amphibia, Limnonectes phuyenensis sp. nov., molecular phylogeny, taxonomy, Phu Yen Province

FIGURE 6. Paratypes of Limnonectes phuyenensis sp. nov. in life (with ventral view inserted).
 (A) male ITBCZ 4598 (male on the right with two unvouchered females nearby on the left). (B) male ITBCZ 4753,
(C) male ITBCZ 4754, (D) female ITBCZ 4750,
(E) female VNMN 010903, and (F) an observed juvenile.

Limnonectes phuyenensis sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet "phuyenensis" refers to the type locality of the new species, Phu Yen Province. As common names we suggest Phu Yen Wart Frog (English), Ếch nhẽo phú yên (Vietnamese).

Cuong The Pham, Dang Trong Do, Minh Duc Le, Hanh Thi Ngo, Luan Thanh Nguyen, Thomas Ziegler and Truong Quang Nguyen. 2020. A New Species of Limnonectes (Amphibia: Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Vietnam. Zootaxa. 4894(3); 387–402. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4894.3.5 

 facebook.com/luongcubosatVietnam/posts/212016250512135

 twitter.com/AmphSpecWorld/status/1336831664023068673