Universität zu Köln

Van Schingen, Mona and Ziegler, Thomas (2018). Microhabitat selection and communal nesting in the insular Psychedelic Rock Gecko, Cnemaspis psychedelica, in Southern Vietnam with updated information on trade. Nat. Conserv.-Bulgaria (31). SOFIA: PENSOFT PUBL. ISSN 1314-3301

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Abstract

The Psychedelic Rock Gecko, Cnemaspis psychedelica, was described in 2010 and certainly belongs to the most spectacular gecko discoveries worldwide. The species is endemic to two small offshore islands in Rach Gia Bay. Its striking colour pattern makes the species highly attractive for the international pet market. The existent Cnemaspis population is negatively affected by habitat degradation and predation by introduced macaques. We herein provide the first characterisation of microhabitat selection of this species, including seasonal variation on Hon Khoai and Hon Tuong islands, Ca Mau Province, Vietnam. We found that characteristics of the selected microhabitat, such as substrate type, temperature and canopy cover slightly differed between the wet and dry seasons. We also demonstrated age-related differences in the selection of perch heights. Communal nesting was, for the first time, reported for C. psychedelica, as well as natural predation by a snake species (Lycodon capucinus). In addition, we documented ongoing habitat destruction on Hon Khoai Island and recorded illegal trade of live Psychedelic Rock Geckos for the first time on local pet markets in both northern and southern Vietnam. Our findings highlight the need for improved conservation measures in order to reduce anthropogenic impacts on wild populations of C. psychedelica.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Van Schingen, Mona UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Ziegler, Thomas UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-165289
DOI:	10.3897/natureconservation.31.28145
Journal or Publication Title:	Nat. Conserv.-Bulgaria
Number:	31
Date:	2018
Publisher:	PENSOFT PUBL
Place of Publication:	SOFIA
ISSN:	1314-3301
Language:	English
Faculty:	Unspecified
Divisions:	Unspecified
Subjects:	no entry
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language HEMIDACTYLUS-MABOUIA; HOUSE GECKO; GEKKONIDAE; REPTILIA; SQUAMATA; CAATINGA; ECOLOGY; LIZARDS; SAURIA; SNAKE Multiple languages Biodiversity Conservation Multiple languages
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/16528