Diet composition of the gecko species, Cyrtodactylus leegrismeri, on Hon Khoai Island, southern Vietnam

The study investigated the diet composition of Cyrtodactylus leegrismeri on Hon Khoai Island, southern Vietnam. Field surveys were conducted during the rainy season (November 2015) and dry season (January 2016 and March 2025). A total of 852 prey items representing 25 prey categories were identified from the stomach contents of 128 individuals. The diet was dominated by small invertebrates, with Isoptera (termites) being the primary prey type, followed by Orthoptera, Blattodea, Lepidoptera, Araneae and other prey groups. The species showed a high degree of dietary specialization, with a sustained reliance on termites and a restricted spectrum of prey. There were no significant seasonal differences in the overall diet composition of C. leegrismeri. Our findings documented that forest degradation negatively affects prey diversity with an overdependence on termites in disturbed habitats, highlighting the importance of forest protection for an intact ecosystem on Hon Khoai Island.