The newly discovered species of lizard is scientifically named Cyrtodactylus hangvaensis. This species is locally known as the Hang Va gecko, named after its discovery in Hang Va cave.
Hang Va Gecko, a new species in Phong Nha – Ke Bang. (Photo: VĂN TĂNG).
The Hang Va Gecko was discovered and described by Vietnamese experts during a biodiversity research project in Son Doong Cave, led by Associate Professor Dr. Vu Van Lien, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Museum of Nature.
Hang Va cave is the first and only known location of this species to date. The research was published in Zootaxa, an international scientific journal for taxonomists.
According to the description, the research team accidentally found the Hang Va gecko at night as it emerged from the crevices to hunt for prey. Upon investigation, the gecko was found to be nearly 13 cm long, with large eyes, a triangular head, and a greenish color. After research, it was confirmed as a new species.
This is the fourth species of gecko discovered in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park.
