The Canh Gecko is an endemic species in Vietnam that is at risk of extinction due to a lack of conservation efforts and insufficient basic biological information about the species.
“Lurking” for 3 Months
One of the reasons why 96% of reptile species worldwide are not protected by conservation measures is due to a lack of basic biological information about them. The Canh Gecko (Gekko canhi) is only known from the single published description of the species.
Recorded in the same habitat as the critically endangered Huu Lien Rock Gecko, the Canh Gecko is also believed to be significantly impacted by human activities.
A team of scientists from the Genomics Research Institute and the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, in collaboration with the Cologne Zoo (Germany), conducted a comprehensive study to assess the ecology, population, and factors affecting the species, subsequently proposing conservation solutions for the Canh Gecko.
The Canh Gecko has morphological characteristics quite similar to the Japanese Gecko Gekko japonicus.
The Canh Gecko was first discovered and described at the Huu Lien Nature Reserve (Lang Son) and Sapa (Lao Cai) in 2010 in the journal Zootaxa. The species is named after Associate Professor Dr. Le Xuan Canh, former director of the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources.
However, since its publication until now, no further research on the species has been recorded. This lack of scientific knowledge about the species raises questions among conservationists in Vietnam about whether the Canh Gecko is truly endangered and in need of protection.
The Canh Gecko (Gekko canhi) can be identified by characteristics such as: average size (snout-to-vent length approximately 85 – 99 mm), 12 – 14 upper labial scales, 10 – 13 lower labial scales, 47 – 50 scales around the eye socket, 10 – 13 rows of small tubercles on the back, 164 – 170 scales around the body, 13 – 16 thin lamellae under the first toe of the hind limb, and 14 – 17 thin lamellae under the fourth toe of the hind limb, with small tubercles above the tibia, and 5 pre-anal pores, with broad scales under the tail.
This species has morphological characteristics quite similar to the Japanese Gecko Gekko japonicus. However, it differs in being larger, having more scales around the eye socket, more rows of scales around the body, more belly scales, and more thin lamellae under the first toe of the hind limb but fewer pre-anal pores compared to the Japanese Gecko.
To confirm the potential threats to this species, the research team conducted field surveys over 3 months at the Huu Lien Nature Reserve (Lang Son). The team recorded 95 individuals of the Canh Gecko, with the highest number in October (56 individuals), followed by May (31 individuals) and only 8 individuals in July.
The population density varied between the surveyed months, with October reporting the highest density, averaging 9.6 individuals/km²/day and 6.1 individuals/km²/day.
Research on population structure showed that adult males were most common in May (48.4%), while juvenile and adult females were most recorded in July (37.5%), with adult females also being the most in July (55.4%).
Conservation Measures
The species has been recorded in the Huu Lien Nature Reserve at altitudes ranging from 150 to 342 meters above sea level. Air temperatures recorded during the species’ nocturnal activities ranged from 18.6 – 27.8 degrees Celsius. The body temperature of the species measured in the wild ranged from 18.9 – 28.8 degrees Celsius. The Canh Gecko typically clings to rocky surfaces and tree branches at an average height of approximately 1.21 meters (0.2 – 3.0 m) above ground, with an average cover of about 76%.
According to the research team, as it shares habitat with the critically endangered Huu Lien Rock Gecko, the Canh Gecko is also predicted to be significantly affected by human activities. Specifically, through direct observation and interviews with local residents, the research team noted several activities that degrade and destroy the habitat of the Canh Gecko.
These activities include road construction, rockslides, limestone quarrying for cement production, and deforestation for agricultural cultivation, all recorded in the species’ distribution habitat. The Canh Gecko is also predicted to face significant impacts from climate change in the future due to its shared environment with the Huu Lien Rock Gecko.
The research team proposes urgent implementation of conservation measures for the Canh Gecko population and habitat in response to human activity impacts, such as: collaborating with local authorities and forestry officials to enhance forest protection patrols, safeguarding limestone mountain habitats; checking and penalizing cases of illegal wildlife hunting and deforestation in protected areas; training monitoring and patrolling for forestry officials; and conducting community education programs locally to raise awareness of the value of ecological diversity protection.
A positive update shared by the research team is that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has recently submitted a report to the Prime Minister regarding the issuance of a program for the conservation of endangered, precious, and rare wildlife species prioritized for protection until 2030, with a vision to 2050 (referred to as priority protection).
The report clearly states that the conservation of prioritized wildlife species is the responsibility of the entire society, including all levels, sectors, organizations, communities, and citizens. Ensuring that no additional prioritized species become extinct.
100% of prioritized species must have management and monitoring plans in place in nature reserves, high biodiversity areas, and biodiversity conservation facilities. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment proposes to investigate and assess the status of populations and habitats of prioritized species nationwide; regularly updating information, data, and publishing the list of prioritized species for protection.
It is hoped that with this decision, groups of endangered, precious wildlife species will be strictly protected and conserved systematically.
