Con Dao Kukri Snake – Oligodon condaoensis – Nguyen, Nguyen, Le & Murphy, 2016

Science name: Oligodon condaoensis – Nguyen, Nguyen, Le & Murphy, 2016

Taxonomic:  Animalia>> Chordata>> Reptilia>> Squamata >> Colubridae >> condaoensis

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

Description: Physical Characteristics:
Oligodon condaoensis is a medium-sized snake, with adults reaching a total length of up to 552 mm. It has 17-17-15 dorsal scale rows, 168–176 ventral scales, and 33–37 subcaudal scales. Its hemipenes are deeply forked and lack papillae or spines, extending to subcaudals 13 or 14. The species has 11–13 maxillary teeth, with the posterior three being enlarged. The nasal scale is divided, and there is no presubocular scale. The cloacal plate is undivided.

Coloration and Appearance:
The overall dorsal coloration of O. condaoensis is dark gray, and faint body stripes may or may not be present. The ventral side is cream to dark gray, without the rectangular blotches seen in some other species.

Distribution and habitat: Elevation:
The species has been documented at 15 meters above sea level on Hon Ba Island.

Area:
Oligodon condaoensis is endemic to southern Vietnam, specifically known from Hon Ba Island, located in Con Dao District, Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province.

Habitat:
This species inhabits evergreen forests on Hon Ba Island. It has been observed on the forest floor, and all specimens were found active during the day. Like other members of the Oligodon genus, O. condaoensis is likely terrestrial, spending its time under forest debris and leaf litter. The species appears to be diurnal, as no individuals were located during nighttime surveys.

Behaviour and ecology: Lifestyle:
Unlike many other members of the Oligodon genus, Oligodon condaoensis is diurnal. It has been observed active on the ground in the daytime, typically between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm. It likely forages for small vertebrates or invertebrates within the leaf litter of the forest floor.

Reproduction:
Specific reproductive data for Oligodon condaoensis are not available. However, it is presumed to be oviparous like other Oligodon species, laying eggs in concealed areas such as leaf litter or beneath logs.

Conservation and status: IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Oligodon condaoensis has not yet been assessed by the IUCN Red List, as it was recently described in 2016.

Population Trend:
The population trend of Oligodon condaoensis is currently unknown. While individuals have been documented on Hon Ba Island, data on the population size and stability are lacking.

Threats:
Potential threats to O. condaoensis include habitat destruction due to deforestation and human development on Hon Ba Island. As the species is restricted to a small geographic area, any environmental changes or land conversion could negatively impact its population.

Conservation Actions:
No specific conservation actions have been implemented for Oligodon condaoensis. Further research on its ecology, population size, and potential threats is necessary to develop appropriate conservation strategies. Being located within a relatively undisturbed forest habitat may offer some protection, but continued monitoring is essential.