Dalat Dwarf Snake – Calamaria buchi – Marx & Inger, 1955

WANEE Go-WILD

Science name: Calamaria buchi – Marx & Inger, 1955

Taxonomic:  Animalia>> Chordata>> Reptilia>> Squamata >> Colubridae >> buchi

Species status: Endemic ; IUCN status: LC (Least Concern)

Description:

Physical characteristics:
Calamaria buchi is a small, slender, fossorial snake adapted for burrowing.
Coloration:
Typically exhibits a uniform brown dorsal side, with a lighter, pale ventral side, which aids in camouflage within the leaf litter.

Distribution and habitat:

Distribution and Habitat:

Elevation: 0 to 500 meters
Area: Endemic to Vietnam
Number of locations: 3 (Dalat and Bao Loc in Lam Dong Province, and Huong Son in Ha Tinh Province)
Estimated extent of occurrence (EOO): 5,254 km²
Habitat:
System: Terrestrial
Habitat type:
Subtropical/Tropical Moist Lowland Forest
Fossorial, primarily found in forest leaf litter within evergreen forests
Range Description:
This species is known only from a few locations in Vietnam, specifically Dalat and Bao Loc in Lam Dong Province, and Huong Son in Ha Tinh Province. These records suggest that the species has a relatively restricted range, with an estimated extent of occurrence around 5,250 km².

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle:
A fossorial species, Calamaria buchi spends much of its time underground or within forest leaf litter.
Diet:
Likely feeds on soft-bodied invertebrates such as earthworms and other small prey.
Activity:
Nocturnal, becoming active during the night to forage.
Movement patterns: Non-migratory
Congregatory behavior: Not observed
Generation length: Missing Info

Conservation and status:

Current conservation status: Data Deficient
Threats:
The main potential threat is habitat destruction, particularly deforestation, which affects its evergreen forest habitat.
Protected areas: Missing Info
Continuing decline in habitat quality: Yes, due to ongoing deforestation and habitat degradation