Poilane’s Skink – Leptoseps poilani – (Bourret, 1937)

Science name: Leptoseps poilani – (Bourret, 1937)

Taxonomic:  Animalia>> Chordata>> Reptilia>> Squamata >> Scincidae >> poilani

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

Description:

Physical Characteristics:
The species belongs to the family Scincidae and is characterized by having four digits on its hindlimbs, distinguishing it from the related genus Scincella, which has five digits.
As a member of the genus Leptoseps, the body is likely adapted to a burrowing or semi-burrowing lifestyle, given its subfossorial nature.
Coloration and Appearance:
There is no detailed description of the coloration or appearance available in the current data. Further research is required to describe the external morphology and coloration patterns.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation: The species is found at elevations ranging from 100 to 800 meters above sea level.
Area: This species is endemic to Vietnam, where it is known from the provinces of Quang Tri (including records from Huong Hoa and Dong Tam Ve in the Central Truong Son Range) and Thua Thien–Hue (from an imprecise locality known as “Phu Loc”).
Habitat: Leptoseps poilani inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is thought to be subfossorial (living partially underground) and has been observed under leaf litter in mid-hill forested areas. Little is known about its specific habitat preferences or ecological needs.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle:

Leptoseps poilani is believed to be subfossorial, living primarily underground or within leaf litter in forested environments.
Its ecology and behavior remain largely unknown due to the limited number of specimens and lack of detailed studies.
Feeding:

There is no specific information on the diet of this species, though other members of the Scincidae family typically feed on small invertebrates found in leaf litter or soil.
Reproduction:

Details about the reproductive behavior of Leptoseps poilani are unknown, as no studies have been conducted on its breeding patterns.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:

Data Deficient (DD): This species is listed as Data Deficient because it is known only from historical records, and its current population status, distribution, and any potential threats remain unclear.
Threats:

No specific threats have been identified for Leptoseps poilani. However, its limited range and dependence on forest habitats could make it vulnerable to habitat degradation or deforestation in the region.
Conservation Actions:

More research is urgently needed to assess the population, distribution, habitat requirements, and any possible threats to this species.
Protection of its forest habitat could be crucial for its survival, especially given its likely subfossorial and leaf-litter-dependent lifestyle.