Mountain Blind Skink – Dibamus montanus – Smith, 1921

Science name: Dibamus montanus – Smith, 1921

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

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

Description: Lifestyle: As a fossorial species, Dibamus montanus spends much of its time underground in forested environments. It has limited information available regarding its specific behavior and ecological role.

Reproduction: The species is oviparous, though specific details about its breeding season, clutch size, or reproductive behaviors remain unknown.

Diet: While there is no direct information on its diet, it likely feeds on small invertebrates, similar to other fossorial reptiles.

Distribution and habitat: Elevation: Found at elevations around 1,500 meters above sea level.
Area: Dibamus montanus is endemic to central Vietnam, specifically known from the Langbian Plateau in Da Lat, Lam Dong Province. Records from Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Con Dao have since been reclassified as Dibamus kondaoensis.
Habitat: This species inhabits hilly evergreen forests, both primary and secondary. It is typically found in subtropical/tropical moist montane forests.
Description:

Physical characteristics: Dibamus montanus is distinguished from other Dibamus species by having complete rostral sutures that join to form a single median suture above the snout tip. It also has 22 mid-body scale rows and a total of 97-111 presacral vertebrae.

Coloration and Appearance: Like other Dibamus species, it is limbless and fossorial, adapted for burrowing. The skin is smooth and typically brownish to blend with the forest floor.

Behaviour and ecology: Lifestyle: As a fossorial species, Dibamus montanus spends much of its time underground in forested environments. It has limited information available regarding its specific behavior and ecological role.

Reproduction: The species is oviparous, though specific details about its breeding season, clutch size, or reproductive behaviors remain unknown.

Diet: While there is no direct information on its diet, it likely feeds on small invertebrates, similar to other fossorial reptiles.

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

Threats: The main threats to this species are unclear, but habitat loss due to deforestation and changes in forest management could be potential concerns.

Conservation actions: Further research is required to gather more data on its distribution, population trends, and potential threats. Its montane forest habitat needs monitoring to ensure conservation efforts are effective.