Evolution in karst massifs: Cryptic diversity among bent-toed geckos along the Truong Son Range with descriptions of three new species and one new country record from Laos

A groundbreaking study reveals the existence of three previously undescribed species of bent-toed geckos (Cyrtodactylus) within the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park in Laos, alongside a new country record for Laos. These cryptic species, identified through an integrative approach combining morphological, molecular, and ecological data, highlight the significant biodiversity harbored by the Truong Son Range's karst massifs. The research underscores the importance of such methods in resolving complex species groups and contributes to our understanding of the region's evolutionary history.

LUU, V. Q., BONKOWSKI, M., Nguyen, T. Q., LE, M. D., SCHNEIDER, N., NGO, H. T., & ZIEGLER, T. (2016). Evolution in karst massifs: Cryptic diversity among bent-toed geckos along the Truong Son Range with descriptions of three new species and one new country record from Laos. Zootaxa, 4107(2). https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4107.2.1