Deharveng’s Worm Lizard – Dibamus deharvengi – Ineich, 1999

Science name: Dibamus deharvengi – Ineich, 1999

Taxonomic:  Animalia>> Chordata>> Reptilia>> Squamata >> Dibamidae >> deharvengi

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

Description: Physical characteristics: Dibamus deharvengi is a limbless lizard, with a snakelike appearance and smooth, elongated body. The holotype was used for species description, but there is limited information about the full range of its physical characteristics due to the scarcity of data.

Coloration and Appearance: The species is mostly brownish or reddish with a sheen typical of other species in the genus Dibamus. The body is slender, with scales that give it a glossy appearance.

Distribution and habitat: Elevation: The species has been recorded around 100 meters above sea level.
Area: Dibamus deharvengi is native to Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, Vietnam, specifically from Binh Chau forest in Xuyen Moc District, approximately 100 km east of Ho Chi Minh City.
Habitat: It has been found in dry dipterocarp coastal forests, but its complete habitat preferences are not well understood. It is uncertain if it can survive in secondary forests.

Behaviour and ecology: Lifestyle: Dibamus deharvengi is presumed to be fossorial (adapted to living underground), as other species in the genus Dibamus exhibit this behavior. Its nocturnal and secretive nature has made it difficult to study.

Reproduction: The species is oviparous, though the details of its reproduction cycle, such as clutch size and breeding season, remain unknown.

Diet: The specific diet of Dibamus deharvengi is unknown, but it is likely insectivorous, feeding on small invertebrates found in its forest floor habitat.

Conservation and status: IUCN Red List Category and Criteria: Listed as Data Deficient (DD) due to the lack of information about its population, distribution, and ecological requirements.

Threats: Given that the species is known only from the type locality and has not been observed in over 20 years, habitat loss due to deforestation could pose a significant threat, but this is speculative as no major threats have been confirmed.

Conservation actions: There are no specific conservation actions currently in place for Dibamus deharvengi. Continued research is needed to reassess its population and distribution, with emphasis on habitat preservation in the area of the Binh Chau forest.