Greer’s Blind Skink – Dibamus greeri – Darevsky, 1992

Science name: Dibamus greeri – Darevsky, 1992

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

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

Description: Physical characteristics: Dibamus greeri differs from other species of the genus with its distinct combination of characters. It has 20 mid-body scale rows and features incomplete medial rostral and nasal sutures, with 97-111 presacral vertebrae and 29-31 postsacral vertebrae, fewer than other Dibamus species.

Coloration and Appearance: The appearance of Dibamus greeri is typical of blind skinks, with a smooth, limbless body adapted for a burrowing lifestyle. Its coloration is generally uniform, though more details are lacking.

Distribution and habitat: Elevation: Found at elevations around 850 meters above sea level.
Area: Dibamus greeri is endemic to Vietnam, specifically recorded from areas such as Kon Cha Rang, Tram Lap, and Buon Luoi in K Bang, Gia Lai Province, and A Luoi in Thua Thien-Hue Province.
Habitat: This species is fossorial and inhabits both primary and secondary forests. However, detailed information about its habitat preferences and ecology remains scarce.

Behaviour and ecology: Lifestyle: As a fossorial species, Dibamus greeri likely spends most of its time underground. Information about its behavioral ecology, including feeding and reproductive habits, is poorly understood.

Reproduction: The species is oviparous, though details about its reproductive cycle, clutch size, or mating behaviors are not well-documented.

Diet: The diet is unknown, but it is presumed to feed on small invertebrates like other fossorial species.

Conservation and status: IUCN Red List Category and Criteria: Listed as Least Concern (LC) due to its relatively broad distribution across several localities. There are no immediate threats to its population known at this time.

Threats: The specific threats facing Dibamus greeri are unclear, although habitat loss due to deforestation could pose a risk. Further studies are needed to assess any potential threats.

Conservation actions: No specific conservation actions have been taken for this species, but monitoring and habitat preservation, especially in its known range, will be essential for ensuring its long-term survival.