Psychedelic Rock Gecko, Other Reptiles Native To Vietnam Need Protections, Study Says

A study published in the journal Nature Conservation has compiled a list of the 50 most threatened reptile species in the Southeast Asian nation, including the psychedelic rock gecko (Cnemaspis psychedelica) which suffers from over harvesting and habitat loss.

The study, which draws largely on the bachelor thesis of Lilli Steiger of the University of Cologne in Germany, has recommended that Vietnam adopt the IUCN CPSG’s One Plan Approach to Conservation. This plan involves improving the habitat of these species and employing captive breeding efforts and assurance colonies at zoos to enable the reintroducing of captive bred species into their native habitats.

Endangered Truong Son pit viper or Quang Binh pit viper (Trimeresurus truongsonensis). Photo by Thomas Ziegler

“Modern zoos, as well as local facilities, can play a crucial role in not only conducting or financially supporting in situ conservation projects, that is to say in nature, but also by protecting species from extinction through maintaining ex situ assurance colonies to reinforce in situ conservation programs,” Prof. Thomas Ziegler, Vietnam conservation team member and coordinator from Cologne Zoo in Germany said in a statement released to the media.

Endangered psychedelic rock gecko (Cnemaspis psychedelica). Photo by Thomas Ziegler

The researchers identified 484 reptile species that are native to Vietnam in an effort to provide a baseline for government officials, conservationists, rescue centers, and zoos to help these entities form competent conservation measures for endangered species. The researchers also say that the number of reptiles will grow as new species are discovered in the country, which is considered a biodiversity hotspot.

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The researchers note that Vietnam has a very high level of reptile biodiversity and of the 74 species that are considered threatened with extinction, 34 are endemic to the country. Of the 159 reptile species known to occur in Vietnam, 85 have missing or outdated data on the IUCN Red List. Further research is needed for these species, the researchers say.

The complete paper, “Assessment of the threat status of reptile species from Vietnam – Implementation of the One Plan Approach to Conservation” can be read on the Nature Conservation Journal.

Threat status of reptile species extant in Vietnam, including sea turtles, listed in CITES.