Annam Keelback – Hebius annamensis – (Bourret, 1934)

Science name: Hebius annamensis – (Bourret, 1934)

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

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

Description:

Physical characteristics: Hebius annamensis is a medium-sized snake with an elongate body, and a moderately distinct head from the neck. The eye is large, with a round pupil. It has dorsal scales in 15 or 17 rows at midbody, moderately keeled, becoming strongly keeled toward the posterior, especially before the vent. The snake has more than 110 subcaudal scales, which are paired. The maxillary teeth progressively increase in size, with the last two being moderately enlarged.

Coloration and Appearance: The dorsal pattern consists of two rows of large rusty blotches running along the body. This pattern sets Hebius annamensis apart from similar species, which may exhibit more uniform coloration or crossbars. The head scales are typical of colubroid snakes, with a single prefrontal scale in most individuals. The snake’s coloration aids in its camouflage within its forested and rocky stream habitat.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation: Found between 1,000 and 1,500 meters above sea level.
Area: Hebius annamensis is known to occur in Da Nang and Kon Tum Provinces in central Vietnam and Xe Kong Province in southeastern Laos. It is expected that the species also inhabits areas in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, though this has not been confirmed.
Habitat: This species is associated with subtropical and tropical moist montane forests and is often found in or near permanent rivers, streams, and creeks in steep terrains. The habitat includes wet evergreen forest, with observations in both Vietnam and Laos.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle: This species has been observed in wet evergreen forests, primarily in rocky streams and fast-flowing water. It was found at night, indicating it may be nocturnal or at least active in low light conditions. The species likely spends much of its time in or near water, though detailed behavior is not well-documented due to limited observations.
Diet: Like other species in the genus Hebius, it likely preys on small invertebrates, possibly including fish, amphibians, and aquatic insects, though specific dietary information for Hebius annamensis is not available.
Reproduction: Hebius annamensis is presumed to be oviparous (egg-laying), though no direct observations of its reproductive behavior or clutch sizes have been documented.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria: Listed as Data Deficient (DD) due to the limited number of specimens and lack of comprehensive data on its distribution, population status, and potential threats.
Threats: The threats to Hebius annamensis are currently unknown, but habitat loss and degradation from logging and development could pose future risks, particularly in the mountainous regions it inhabits.
Conservation actions: Additional field surveys are needed to better understand the population status and distribution of Hebius annamensis. Preservation of montane forest habitats, particularly near streams and water bodies, will be essential for its conservation.