Dao Van Tien’s Stream Snake – Opisthotropis daovantieni – Orlov, Darevsky & Murphy, 1998

Science name: Opisthotropis daovantieni – Orlov, Darevsky & Murphy, 1998

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

Species status: Endemic ; IUCN status: NT (Near Threatened)

Description: Physical Characteristics:

Body: Slender, adapted for movement in water.
Scales: Smooth, aiding in the snake’s semi-aquatic lifestyle.
Tail: Long and strong, providing balance and support in aquatic environments.
Coloration: Uniform shades of brown and green, providing camouflage in its rocky stream habitat.
Size: Medium-sized for its genus, with a slender body built for aquatic movement.
Coloration and Appearance:
The body is uniformly colored, with darker dorsal tones and a lighter ventral side. This cryptic coloration helps the snake blend into its environment, whether in the water or among rocks and foliage near streams. There are no noticeable patterns or stripes.

Distribution and habitat: Elevation:
The holotype of Opisthotropis daovantieni was collected at elevations ranging between 750 and 1,100 meters above sea level in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.

Area:
This species is only known from two localities within the Annamite Mountains in central Vietnam. It inhabits areas within montane rainforests where permanent streams and creeks are present. The exact distribution remains poorly documented, though the extent of occurrence is estimated to be 4,460 km², largely confined to these two mountainous localities.

Habitat:
Opisthotropis daovantieni is an aquatic species found in streams within secondary evergreen forests. Its habitat comprises moist forest environments, with a strong association with freshwater sources such as permanent streams and rivers. The species was recorded under rocks in flowing water, suggesting it prefers well-shaded, aquatic habitats within forested ecosystems.

Behaviour and ecology: Lifestyle:
Opisthotropis daovantieni is primarily nocturnal, active during the night. It is highly aquatic, spending most of its time in or near freshwater habitats such as streams. The species forages for small aquatic animals, including fish, tadpoles, shrimp, and frogs, using its stealth to avoid detection by predators and prey alike. It is non-migratory and relies heavily on the forest canopy and stream quality for protection and foraging.

Reproduction:
Like other species in the genus, Opisthotropis daovantieni is presumed to be oviparous. Specific reproductive behaviors have not been documented, but it likely lays its eggs in moist, secluded areas near water.

Conservation and status: IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Opisthotropis daovantieni is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. The species was last assessed in 2011, and its conservation status reflects potential threats from habitat loss and degradation. The population trend is currently unknown due to a lack of data.

Population Trend:
There is no available data on the population size or stability of this species. The population is not considered to be severely fragmented, but habitat changes could potentially impact its long-term survival.

Threats:
The primary threats to Opisthotropis daovantieni are likely to be habitat degradation and deforestation. The clearance of forests for agriculture, logging, and development could lead to habitat loss, while changes in freshwater ecosystems, such as pollution or water diversion, could affect the streams where the species resides.

Conservation Actions:
Currently, there are no specific conservation actions in place for Opisthotropis daovantieni. Since the species is found within forested areas, general forest conservation efforts may benefit it indirectly. More research is needed to determine its population dynamics, range, and threats, which will inform future conservation strategies.

Etymology
The species is named after Professor Dao Van Tien (1920–1995), a prominent Vietnamese herpetologist and vertebrate zoologist. His extensive work on Vietnamese reptiles and amphibians is honored through this species’ name.