Psychedelic Rock Gecko, Other Reptiles Native to Vietnam Need Protections

A study published in the journal Nature Conservation has compiled a list of the 50 most threatened reptile species in the Southeast Asian nation, including the psychedelic rock gecko (Cnemaspis psychedelica) which suffers from over harvesting and habitat loss.

The study, which draws largely on the bachelor thesis of Lilli Steiger of the University of Cologne in Germany, has recommended that Vietnam adopt the IUCN CPSG’s One Plan Approach to Conservation. This plan involves improving the habitat of these species and employing captive breeding efforts and assurance colonies at zoos to enable the reintroducing of captive bred species into their native habitats.

“Modern zoos, as well as local facilities, can play a crucial role in not only conducting or financially supporting in situ conservation projects, that is to say in nature, but also by protecting species from extinction through maintaining ex situ assurance colonies to reinforce in situ conservation programs” Prof. Thomas Ziegler, Vietnam conservation team member and coordinator from Cologne Zoo said.