Cuc’s Mountain Snake – Opisthotropis cucae – David, Pham, Nguyen & Ziegler, 2011

Science name: Opisthotropis cucae – David, Pham, Nguyen & Ziegler, 2011

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

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

Description:

Physical Characteristics:
Opisthotropis cucae is characterized by:

23 dorsal scale rows at the neck, reducing to 19 at midbody.
Seven supralabials, with the 5th supralabial entering the orbit.
One anterior and two posterior temporals.
At least 191 ventral scales.
22 subequal upper maxillary teeth.
The body is uniform in color, with a darker dorsum and a lighter ventral side, though there are no stripes or bands separating the two.
Coloration and Appearance:
The body of Opisthotropis cucae is uniform in color, with no distinct bands or stripes. The dorsum is darker, while the ventral side is lighter. This uniform coloration is typical of many aquatic snakes, helping them blend into their surroundings.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation:
The holotype of Opisthotropis cucae was collected at an elevation of 740 meters above sea level.

Area:
Opisthotropis cucae is known only from the Kon Tum Plateau in Kon Tum Province, south-central Vietnam. The type locality is in Chu Mom Ray National Park, within the Sa Thay District of the province. This region is part of the mountainous area on the eastern edge of the Truong Son (Ammanite) Range.

Habitat:
The species was found in secondary evergreen forest near a rocky stream. It inhabits moist forest environments and is associated with aquatic habitats, as it was collected underwater in a stream. The forested areas, combined with permanent freshwater sources like rivers and streams, provide a suitable habitat for this species. Specific microhabitat preferences remain poorly documented, though it is likely that Opisthotropis cucae prefers forested wetland ecosystems.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle:
Opisthotropis cucae is nocturnal, as evidenced by its collection at night. The holotype was found underwater in a rocky stream, suggesting that the species may be semi-aquatic or fully aquatic, spending a significant amount of time in or near freshwater habitats.

Reproduction:
The species is presumed to be oviparous, like other members of the genus Opisthotropis, though no specific reproductive data is currently available for O. cucae.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Opisthotropis cucae is listed as Data Deficient due to a lack of information regarding its population, distribution, and potential threats. The species is known only from the holotype, and further research is needed to assess its conservation status.

Population Trend:
The population trend for Opisthotropis cucae is unknown. No data are available on the population size, stability, or potential declines.

Threats:
The primary potential threat to Opisthotropis cucae could be habitat degradation, particularly deforestation and changes to freshwater ecosystems in its limited range. However, no specific threats have been identified due to the lack of detailed information about the species.

Conservation Actions:
Currently, no targeted conservation actions are in place for Opisthotropis cucae. Since the species was discovered within Chu Mom Ray National Park, it may benefit from the protection afforded to this area. Additional research on its ecology, distribution, and population trends is required to inform future conservation efforts.

Etymology:
The species is named in honor of Mrs. Ho Thu Cuc, a researcher from the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources in Hanoi, who collected the holotype and has made significant contributions to the study of herpetology in Vietnam.