Bourret’s Odd-scaled Snake – Achalinus ater – Bourret, 1937

Science name: Achalinus ater – Bourret, 1937

Taxonomic:  Animalia>> Chordata>> Reptilia>> Squamata >> Xenodermidae >> ater

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

Description: Physical characteristics:
A dark-colored snake, named after the Latin word “ater,” meaning dark or black. Achalinus ater has smooth, odd-scaled patterns typical of the Xenodermatidae family.
Coloration:
The species is characterized by its dark coloration, usually black or deep brown.
Behavior:
A fossorial species, meaning it is adapted to burrowing and spends much of its time underground or in the leaf litter.

Distribution and habitat: Elevation: Found between 500 and 1,800 meters.
Area: Distributed in northern Vietnam (Tam Dao, Vinh Phuc Province) and the Chinese provinces of Guizhou and Guangxi.
Habitat: Primarily inhabits terrestrial environments with a preference for:
Forest types:
Subtropical/Tropical Moist Lowland Forest (suitable)
Subtropical/Tropical Moist Montane Forest (suitable)
Rocky areas such as inland cliffs and mountain peaks.

Behaviour and ecology: Lifestyle: Fossorial and primarily found in forested areas and rocky regions. It is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs.
Diet: Feeds on invertebrates.
Generation length: Not specified.
Movement patterns: Non-migratory and resident within its range.
Congregatory behavior: No notable congregatory behavior has been reported.

Conservation and status: Current conservation status: Listed as Least Concern (LC) due to its relatively large distribution and the absence of significant population declines.
Threats: No major threats have been identified, and the species is not thought to be undergoing significant declines.
Protected areas: Found in regions like Tam Dao in Vietnam, with no specific mention of further protected areas.