Science name: Lygosoma boehmei – Ziegler, Schmitz, Heidrich, Vu & Nguyen, 2007
Taxonomic: Animalia>> Chordata>> Reptilia>> Squamata >> Scincidae >> boehmei
Species status: Endemic ; IUCN status: LC (Least Concern)
Description:
Physical Characteristics:
Lygosoma boehmei is an elongate-bodied skink, with a snout-vent length (SVL) of 86.0 mm. The distance between the axilla and groin is more than three times the length of its forelimb.
Both forelimbs and hindlimbs are short and pentadactyl (five-toed), with the digits widely separated when adpressed.
The species has 32 midbody scale rows and 66 paravertebral scales from the parietal region to the hindlimb insertion.
Coloration and Appearance:
In life, the dorsum is reddish-brown, while the ventral side is yellowish-beige with some dark marbling. In preservative, the body turns brownish-grey, with the limbs and tail becoming brownish-black. The chin and throat are light orange, and the sides of the body show irregular dark flecking.
The dorsal and dorsolateral scales are notched, creating three longitudinal pseudo-keels on the neck, body, and anterior half of the tail.
Distribution and habitat:
Elevation: This species is found at elevations between 350 and 400 meters above sea level.
Area: Lygosoma boehmei is endemic to Vietnam, specifically known only from the karst forest area of Cha Noi within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh Province.
Habitat: It inhabits primary evergreen monsoon forests within limestone karst areas. It is a nocturnal and terrestrial species, typically found in forested habitats. Its specific ecological preferences include the forest floor, where it likely feeds on small invertebrates such as earthworms.
Behaviour and ecology:
Lifestyle:
Lygosoma boehmei is a nocturnal species. It is terrestrial and likely spends most of its time hidden within leaf litter or small crevices, typical of skinks in limestone habitats.
It is closely related to other species within the Lygosoma genus, such as L. quadrupes and L. koratense, and shares similar ecological and morphological traits.
Reproduction:
No specific details on the reproductive biology of Lygosoma boehmei have been documented. However, like other members of its genus, it is presumed to lay eggs.
Conservation and status:
IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Data Deficient (DD) due to the lack of sufficient information on population trends, distribution, and potential threats. The species is only known from its type locality in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
Threats:
While there are no specific threats identified for this species, habitat degradation, particularly in limestone karst forests, may pose potential risks due to deforestation and human activities in the region.
Conservation Actions:
The species is found within a protected area (Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park), which offers some level of protection. Further research is needed to determine population trends, habitat use, and any threats to its survival.
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