Culao Cham Kukri Snake – Oligodon culaochamensis – Nguyen, Nguyen, Nguyen, Phan, Jiang & Murphy, 2017

Science name: Oligodon culaochamensis – Nguyen, Nguyen, Nguyen, Phan, Jiang & Murphy, 2017

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

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

Description: Physical Characteristics:
Oligodon culaochamensis is a medium-sized snake, with adults reaching a total length of up to 582 mm. It has 17 or 19 dorsal scale rows at the neck and midbody, and 15 or 17 rows before the vent. Males have 167–169 ventrals, while females possess 179–182 ventrals. The subcaudal counts are 63–66 in males and 51–52 in females. The species features a presubocular scale, and its supralabials number eight, with the fourth and fifth entering the orbit. The nasal scale is divided, and the species lacks a temporal streak. Its long, deeply forked hemipenes, extending to the 20th subcaudal, are unique in that they lack spines and papillae but display a prominent diagonal ridge with oblique flounces and distal calyces. The cloacal plate is undivided.

Coloration and Appearance:
The species is distinguished by 10–11+3–4 dorsal blotches and a vertebral stripe that runs along the tail and anterior part of the body.

Distribution and habitat: Oligodon culaochamensis
Elevation:
Oligodon culaochamensis has been documented at elevations ranging from 41 to 106 meters above sea level on the Cu Lao Cham Islands.

Area:
Oligodon culaochamensis is endemic to Vietnam, specifically found on Hon Lao in the Cu Lao Cham Islands, located in Quang Nam Province.

Habitat:
The species inhabits dry primary forests and plantations, often found near small streams. All known specimens have been collected at night, indicating a nocturnal lifestyle. It is presumed to be terrestrial, foraging on the ground in these forested areas.

Behaviour and ecology: Lifestyle:
Oligodon culaochamensis is nocturnal, as all known specimens were collected at night. It likely forages on the forest floor near stream banks, similar to other members of the Oligodon genus, which are known to prey on small vertebrates and possibly eggs.

Reproduction:
Specific reproductive details are not available for this species. However, based on the general reproductive strategies of the Oligodon genus, O. culaochamensis is presumed to be oviparous, laying eggs in concealed areas such as leaf litter or under logs.

Conservation and status: IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Oligodon culaochamensis has not yet been assessed by the IUCN Red List, as it was recently described in 2017.

Population Trend:
The population trend of Oligodon culaochamensis is currently unknown. There is insufficient data on its population size and stability, as it has been documented from only a few specimens.

Threats:
Potential threats to the species include habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion, which are common concerns for forest-dwelling species in Southeast Asia. Logging and land conversion on the Cu Lao Cham Islands could negatively impact its population.

Conservation Actions:
No specific conservation actions are currently in place for Oligodon culaochamensis. Further research on its distribution, population size, and ecology is necessary to assess potential conservation measures. Its presence on an island may provide some natural protection, but continued monitoring and habitat preservation are essential.