Bac Bo Skink – Sphenomorphus bacboensis – (Eremchenko, 2003)

Science name: Sphenomorphus bacboensis – (Eremchenko, 2003)

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

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

Description:

Physical Characteristics:

Size: The species has a relatively small body size, consistent with other skinks of the genus Sphenomorphus.
Scales: Diagnostic features include the absence of supranasals, scaly lower eyelids, nuchals oriented flush with parietals, and specific scale arrangements on the digits and palms. It has six supralabials, a trait shared with other species in the genus Sphenomorphus.
Diagnostic Features:
The diagnostic traits that led to the synonymization of Livorimica with Sphenomorphus include:

No supranasals.
Lower eyelids scaly.
Nuchal scales flush with parietals.
Dorsal scales on the base of digit IV arranged in three rows.
Enlarged medial precloacals, with inner scales overlapping outer scales.
Presence of tubercles on the palm.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation:
The type locality of Sphenomorphus bacboensis is situated in the vicinity of Dong Luong, Cho Moi District, Bac Kan Province, Vietnam. Specific elevation data is not provided, but the area is characterized by its secondary tropical evergreen forest.

Area:
This species is currently only known from its type locality in Bac Kan Province, Northern Vietnam. The species was first collected by I.S. Darevsky in 1986 and was originally described as Livorimica bacboensis. The species’ range remains restricted to this area, and it has not been recorded elsewhere.

Habitat:
Sphenomorphus bacboensis inhabits secondary tropical evergreen forests. However, further research is required to fully understand the ecological preferences of the species. The known specimens were collected from forest floors, and it is likely that the species is terrestrial, relying on the leaf litter and undergrowth for shelter and food.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle:
Sphenomorphus bacboensis is presumed to be terrestrial, living among the leaf litter of the tropical evergreen forests in Northern Vietnam. The species’ specific behavior is not well documented, but like other skinks, it is likely to be insectivorous, feeding on small invertebrates found on the forest floor.

Reproduction:
This species is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs, though details regarding its reproductive habits, such as clutch size and breeding season, have not been reported.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Sphenomorphus bacboensis is currently listed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List. The most recent assessment was conducted in 2017, but there is still insufficient data to fully evaluate the species’ population status or the threats it faces.

Population Trend:
The population trend for Sphenomorphus bacboensis is currently unknown. No information is available regarding the stability or size of its population, as it has only been recorded at its type locality.

Threats:
The primary threat to this species is likely habitat loss due to deforestation and land conversion in the region. As the species is only known from a limited area, any degradation of its habitat could have a significant impact on its population.

Conservation Actions:
There are no specific conservation measures in place for Sphenomorphus bacboensis. Further research is needed to better understand its ecological requirements and population size, which would inform appropriate conservation strategies.

Etymology
The species name bacboensis refers to Bac Bo, an old name for Northern Vietnam, where the species is found. The original generic name Livorimica comes from Latin, with “livor” meaning “bruise” and “mica” meaning “crumb,” referencing the small body size and scales of the lizard.