Ochraceous Forest Skink – Scincella ochracea – (Bourret, 1937)

Science name: Scincella ochracea – (Bourret, 1937)

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

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

Description:

Physical Characteristics:

Size: Males have a snout-vent length (SVL) ranging from 34.2 mm to 45.4 mm, with a tail length of 61.8 mm to 75.0 mm. Females are slightly larger, with a SVL ranging from 43.2 mm to 50.0 mm and a tail length of 63.9 mm.
Scales: The species has 30-32 midbody scale rows, and 7 supralabials, with 5 and 6 positioned just below the eyes. The tympanum (ear) is deeply sunk with 3-4 auricular lobules. The dorsal scales are smooth, arranged in 1/2 + 6 + 1/2 rows, while the vertebral scales range from 61-67. The ventral scales number between 66-71.
Coloration and Appearance:
The dorsal coloration is silvery-grey with a prominent dark vertebral stripe. The lateral regions of the body feature reddish stripes running from behind the eyes to the hindlimbs, interspersed with light spots. The ventral surface, including the belly and tail, is cream or white. The species has distinctive markings around the lips and lateral regions, which are broken into smaller dark spots.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation:
The type locality of Scincella ochracea is situated between 510 and 1,230 meters above sea level. The species is found in various regions of Vietnam, Laos, and Yunnan Province, China.

Area:
This species is distributed across Vietnam, Laos, and Yunnan Province in China. In Vietnam, it has been recorded in Muong Te, Son La, and Dien Bien provinces. In Laos, it has been found in Phongsaly Province. The species inhabits primary and secondary tropical evergreen forests.

Habitat:
Scincella ochracea is a forest-dwelling species, primarily inhabiting tropical and subtropical evergreen forests. It is found in both primary forests and secondary forests that have regenerated after disturbance. It is often seen on the ground during the day, particularly among grass and shrubs along forest paths. The species’ adaptability to both primary and secondary forests indicates a degree of tolerance to habitat disturbance.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle:
Scincella ochracea is diurnal, active during the day, and typically found among leaf litter and rock crevices in forested environments. It is a shy species, quickly retreating into cover when disturbed. Like other skinks, it feeds primarily on insects and other small arthropods. Its habitat preferences include lowland and montane forests, and it is known to be adaptable to both primary and secondary forests.

Reproduction:
This species is oviparous, laying eggs, though specific reproductive details such as clutch size and breeding season have not been well documented.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Scincella ochracea is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, due to its relatively wide distribution and presumed stable population. The species was last assessed in 2017.

Population Trend:
The population trend for Scincella ochracea is currently unknown. However, the species is thought to be stable given its presence in both primary and secondary forests across a wide geographical range.

Threats:
While Scincella ochracea appears to tolerate secondary forests, habitat loss due to deforestation and forest degradation could still pose a threat to its long-term survival. Continued logging, agricultural expansion, and other human activities in its habitat range could reduce available forest cover.

Conservation Actions:
There are no specific conservation measures in place for Scincella ochracea, but the species likely benefits from general forest conservation efforts in the regions where it is found. Given its broad distribution and adaptability, further research is needed to monitor its population trends and assess any potential threats more closely.

Etymology
The species name ochracea is derived from Latin, referring to the ochre coloration observed in its dorsal pattern, which distinguishes it from other species in the genus Scincella.