Cyrtodactylus jambanganis a nocturnal species, encountered on the butresses of trees, exposed root bundles, and rocky outcrops along river drainages.
Cyrtodactylus jambangan, like C. tautbatorum and C. annulatus, is one of smaller species of Philippine Bent-toed gekkos. This recently described taxon is a member of the C. annulatus Species Complex, and similarly colored and patterned. This species is unique among Philippine Cyrtodactylus in the presence of yellow-gold superciliaries, canthal stripe, and dorsal tubercles.
As with other members of the Cyrtodactylus annulatus Species Complex, C. jambangan was encountered in relatively high abundances at the type locality and surrounding areas, suggesting that it is not highly threatened. Similarly though, preservation of ideal habitat types is essential to providing for this species in the future.
We have evaluated this species against the IUCN criteria for classification, and find that it does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, or Near Threatened status. Cyrtodactylus jambangan has been documented to have a broad geographic distribution and is quite abundant at all sampled localities. We therefore classify this species as Least Concern, LC (IUCN, 2010).
Cyrtodactylus jambangan has light yellow to gold dorsal tubercles through the axilla–groin region, a yellow canthal stripe, bright yellow superciliaries, and a variable dorsal banding pattern. Generally, this species exhibits a dark brown dorsal ground coloration with irregularly shaped dark gray to lavender transverse dorsal bands, present in three conspicuous, “butterfly-shaped” patterns interspersed with three irregularly shaped transverse blotches along the trunk; supralabials with four conspicuous light tan to white blotches irregularly distributed; light gray band bordered by dark brown extends from posterior margin of eye to auricular opening; limbs mottled, with dark gray and dark brown, lacking distinct bands; digits with light tan to cream blotches at joints; tail more conspicuously banded than trunk, with dark brown ground coloration fading to white at the terminus of tail, overlain with dark gray to black bands. Ventral portions tan, darkening at margins of ventrolateral tubercle row; hands and feet tan, digits slightly darker; subcaudal coloration cream with increased speckling through anterior third; overlain with alternating dark gray to brown, and white bands.
This species can be diagnosed from all other Philippine Cyrtodactylus by a combination of: (1) maximum snout–vent length 72.3; (2) subcaudal scales undivided; (3) 17–19 midbody tubercle rows; (4) generally 4 pore-bearing precloacal scales; (5) undifferentiated scales rows anterior to (6) shallow precloacal groove; (7) "V"-shaped nuchal patterning; (8) absence of lateral flank stripe; (9) presence of bright yellow supraciliaries and (10) canthal stripe.
Cyrtodactylus jambangan is restricted to the southern portion of the Zamboanga Peninsula, Mindanao Island, and the islands of Basilan, Great Santa Cruz, Teipono, Tamuk, Cancuman, Dipolod, Bitinan, Jolo, Tulian, Tawitawi, Papahag, and Bongao of the Sulu Archipelago, as well as the Buban Islands of hte Tapiantana and Taipan Island Groups. Defining northern extent of this species on the Zamboanga Peninusla requires additional surveys.
Like all Philippine Bent-toed gekkos, Cyrtodactylus jambangan prefers exposed roots overhanging stream banks, from trunks of trees bordering flowing water, and from large boulders in river and stream beds.
The specific epithet for Cyrtodactylus jambangan was derived from the term "Jambangan"—the ancient name for the Zamboanga City area. Sulu and Zamboanga folklore suggest that the name was bestowed upon the Zamboanga City area by the immigrant Subanons (“People of the River”) who arrived in western Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago in approximately 1200 A.D., after traveling by boat through the Sulu Archipelago, from what is now Indonesia. Jambangan means “The Land of Flowers,” a name presumably used in reference to the natural beauty of the area surrounding Zamboanga City.
Mindanao Pleistocene Aggregate Island Complex
Cyrtodactylus jambangan can be found at low and mid-elevations in gallery forest riparian habitats along streams, encountered on trunks of trees, rocks, and overhanging exposed root masses.
Cyrtodactylus jambangan are most likely confused with C. annulatus and C. tautbatorum, although the gold canthal stripe, superciliaries, and body tubercle coloration in life and allopatric distribution of the species can easily delineate it.
Successful conservation and managemnet of this species relies on the protection of upland raparian corridor habitats.
The mostly likely threats to this species come from habitat alteration and loss. As with all Philippine Cyrtodactylus, upland riparian corridors and karst outcrops are preferred habitats, and essential to the preservation of this species.
Cyrtodactylus jambangan is a species of gecko that is endemic to the Philippines.[1]
