Thai National Parks

Cyrtodactylus uthaiensis is a species of bent-toed gecko in the family Gekkonidae that is endemic to western Thailand. It was described in 2024 from limestone habitat within Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani Province.

The species belongs to the Cyrtodactylus oldhami species group, a lineage of bent-toed geckos distributed across mainland Southeast Asia. It was recognized as a distinct species based on an integrative taxonomic study combining molecular phylogenetic analyses with comparisons of external morphology and colour pattern.

Cyrtodactylus uthaiensis inhabits karst limestone formations within seasonal forest. Like many limestone-associated species of Cyrtodactylus, it is nocturnal and was observed active on rock surfaces at night.

The species is distinguished from its closest relatives by a unique combination of morphological characters, including body size, scale counts, arrangement of precloacal and femoral pores, subdigital lamellae, dorsal tuberculation, and colour pattern. Genetic analyses further support its recognition as an independently evolving lineage within the Cyrtodactylus oldhami complex.

At present, Cyrtodactylus uthaiensis is known only from its type locality in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary. Because of its apparently restricted distribution, additional surveys of nearby limestone karsts are needed to determine its full range, population status, and conservation requirements.

Distribution

The species is currently known only from limestone formations within Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Uthai Thani Province, western Thailand.

Habitat

Cyrtodactylus uthaiensis is associated with karst limestone habitats in seasonal forest, where individuals have been recorded on exposed rock surfaces during nocturnal surveys.

Etymology

The specific epithet uthaiensis refers to Uthai Thani Province, where the species was discovered.

Conservation

No formal conservation assessment has yet been published. Although the type locality lies within a protected area, the species is presently known from only a single locality, and further field studies are needed to determine its distribution, abundance, ecology, and conservation status.

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