The G 305 Star-forming Region: II. Irregular variable stars
  We present a catalog of 167 newly discovered, irregular variables spanning a
$\sim$7 deg${^2}$ area that encompasses the G 305 star-forming complex, one of
the most luminous giant H II regions in the Galaxy. We aim to unveil and
characterize the young stellar object (YSO) population of the region by
analyzing the $K_{\rm s}$-band variability and $JHK_{\rm s}$ infrared colors
from the {\it VISTA Variables in the V\'ia L\'actea} (VVV) survey.
Additionally, SDSS-IV APOGEE-2 infrared spectra of selected objects are
analyzed.
  The sample show relatively high amplitudes ($0.661<\Delta K_{\rm S} <3.521$
mag). Most of them resemble sources with outbursts with amplitude $>1$ mag and
duration longer than a few days, typically at least a year, known as {\it
Eruptive Variables}. About 60% are likely to be Class II/Flat/I objects. This
is also confirmed by the spectral index $\alpha$ when available.
  From the analysis of APOGEE-2 near-infrared spectra of sources in the region,
another 122 stars are classified as YSOs, and displays some infrared
variability. The measured effective temperature $T_{\rm eff}$ peak is around
4000K and they are slightly super-solar in metal abundance. The modal radial
velocity is approximately $-$41 km/s.
  Combining available catalogs of YSOs in the region with our data, we
investigate the spatial distributions of 700 YSOs. They are clearly
concentrated within the central cavity formed by the massive clusters Danks 1
and 2. The calculated surface density for the entire catalog is 0.025
YSOs/pc$^{-2}$, while the central cavity contains 10 times more objects per
area (0.238 YSOs/pc$^{-2}$).
