Morice’s Kukri Snake – Oligodon moricei – David, Vogel & Van Rooijen, 2008

Science name: Oligodon moricei – David, Vogel & Van Rooijen, 2008

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

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

Description: Physical Characteristics:
Oligodon moricei is characterized by the following features:

Dorsal scale rows: 17 at midbody and 15 before the vent.
Maxillary teeth: 12, with the last two being significantly enlarged.
Anal plate: single.
Ventrals: a high number, reaching at least 175.
Head scalation is complete, with no presubocular.
Supralabials: 8.
The body is marked with a strong dorsal pattern, with dark grayish-brown scales edged in black, producing a distinct reticulate pattern. It has a broad rusty-brown vertebral stripe edged on both sides by a continuous black stripe.
The venter is largely dark brown.
Coloration and Appearance:
The species has a striking appearance, with dark colorations and a conspicuous vertebral and paravertebral stripe pattern. The head features four major blotches: one frontal blotch, a subrectangular blotch on each parietal, and an inverted U-shaped nuchal marking across the neck.

Distribution and habitat: Elevation:
There is no specific elevation range recorded for Oligodon moricei.

Area:
Oligodon moricei is currently known only from its type locality in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province, in southern Vietnam.

Habitat:
The specific habitat preferences of Oligodon moricei are unknown. It was described from a museum specimen, and no further ecological data has been gathered. It is presumed to inhabit terrestrial environments, possibly similar to other members of the Oligodon genus, which are often found in forests and other vegetated areas.

Behaviour and ecology: Lifestyle:
Very little is known about the behavior and ecology of Oligodon moricei. It is presumed to be oviparous, as is common among kukri snakes, and may share similarities in habits with other Oligodon species that are often nocturnal or terrestrial.

Reproduction:
Oligodon moricei is oviparous, but there are no specific details available about its reproductive behavior, such as clutch size or breeding season.

Conservation and status: IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Oligodon moricei is listed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List due to the lack of sufficient information on its population, habitat, and potential threats.

Population Trend:
The population trend of Oligodon moricei is unknown, and there is no information available regarding its population size or stability.

Threats:
No specific threats have been identified for Oligodon moricei. However, potential threats may include habitat loss due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urbanization, which are common issues in southern Vietnam.

Conservation Actions:
Currently, no targeted conservation actions are in place for Oligodon moricei. Further research is required to gather data on its ecology, distribution, and population status, which will be crucial for developing appropriate conservation strategies.

Etymology:
The species was named in honor of Dr. (Jean Claude) Albert Morice, a French naval physician, traveler, ethnographer, and naturalist who served in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) during the 1870s. He made significant contributions to the understanding of the fauna and culture of southern Vietnam.