Kontum False Bloodsucker – Pseudocophotis kontumensis – Ananjeva, Orlov, Truong & Nazarov, 2007

Science name: Pseudocophotis kontumensis – Ananjeva, Orlov, Truong & Nazarov, 2007

Taxonomic:  Animalia>> Chordata>> Reptilia>> Squamata >> Agamidae >> kontumensis

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

Description:

Physical Characteristics:

Body Structure: Pseudocophotis kontumensis is a middle-sized agamid lizard with a laterally compressed body, giving it a flattened appearance that aids in maneuvering through vegetation.
Scales: It features large dorsal and lateral scales that are heterogeneously mixed with smaller scales, while the ventral scales are keeled but smaller. The lizard has a hidden tympanum (ear), covered by skin, and a fold across the throat, lacking a gular sac.
Tail: The species possesses a short, flexible, prehensile tail, which it uses to grasp onto branches as it moves through its arboreal habitat.
Distinctive Traits:
The species differs from other agamid lizards in Vietnam by the absence of postorbital and nuchal spines and a hidden tympanum. It also has fewer scales around the midbody compared to other Pseudocalotes species, and its shorter tail sets it apart from other genera like Bronchocela and Japalura.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation:
Pseudocophotis kontumensis was first discovered at an elevation of 1,210 meters above sea level in the Kon Du area, Mang Canh Village, located in Kon Plong District, Kon Tum Province, Vietnam.

Area:
This species is known only from the type locality in Kon Tum Province. Its distribution is extremely limited, and there is no evidence that it has been found outside this region. The lizard inhabits subtropical/tropical moist montane forests, which are characterized by dense vegetation and closed canopy forests.

Habitat:
Pseudocophotis kontumensis lives in the lower layers of closed canopy forests, primarily residing in bushes and trees, where it avoids ground-dwelling behaviors. Its habitat is characterized by dense foliage and a humid, moist environment typical of montane forests. This arboreal lifestyle is supported by the species’ prehensile tail, which allows it to maneuver and remain secure in trees.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle:
Pseudocophotis kontumensis is arboreal, spending most of its life in the trees and bushes of its montane forest habitat. It is primarily active during the day, using its prehensile tail to move slowly and deliberately through the vegetation. This tree-dwelling behavior allows it to avoid ground-based predators and forage in the higher forest strata.

Reproduction:
Like many agamid lizards, Pseudocophotis kontumensis is likely oviparous, laying eggs, although specific reproductive behaviors and patterns have not been well documented for this species.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Pseudocophotis kontumensis is listed as Data Deficient according to the IUCN Red List due to the lack of sufficient data on its population size, distribution, and potential threats. The last assessment occurred in 2017, and no updated information has been gathered since.

Population Trend:
The population trend for Pseudocophotis kontumensis is currently unknown. The species is only known from its type locality, and it has not been observed frequently, leading to uncertainty about its overall population health.

Threats:
The species may face threats from habitat loss and deforestation in its limited range in the montane forests of central Vietnam. The forest areas where it resides are susceptible to logging, agricultural expansion, and other human activities that could degrade or fragment its habitat.

Conservation Actions:
At present, there are no specific conservation actions in place for Pseudocophotis kontumensis, although general forest conservation efforts in the region may indirectly benefit the species. Further research is needed to better understand its ecological requirements, population trends, and threats, which would help guide future conservation initiatives.

Etymology
The species is named after its type locality, Kon Tum, located in central Vietnam. This honors the region where Pseudocophotis kontumensis was first discovered and described in 2007.