Nguyen’s Caecilia – Ichthyophis nguyenorum – Nishikawa, Matsui & Orlov, 2012

Science name: Ichthyophis nguyenorum – Nishikawa, Matsui & Orlov, 2012

Taxonomic:  Animalia>> Chordata>> Amphibia>> Gymnophiona >> Ichthyophiidae >> nguyenorum

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

Description: Ichthyophis nguyenorum is a worm-like amphibian with a robust body. Its total body length reaches up to 30 cm. The body is segmented with around 318 body rings. It has a distinctive yellow stripe running along both sides of its body from behind the eyes to the tip of its very short tail. The upper body is slate brown, while the underside is lighter brown. This caecilian species has three neck rings and a rounded snout, with eyes located on the sides of its head.

Distribution and habitat: Elevation:
Ichthyophis nguyenorum is found at elevations between 135 and 1,200 meters above sea level.

Area:
This species is currently known from the Kon Tum Plateau, specifically Mang Canh Village and Te Xang in Kon Tum Province, central Vietnam, and from Cat Tien National Park in Lam Dong Province, southern Vietnam. Its estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) is 101,164 km². These are the only known locations, though it is believed that the species could also inhabit suitable habitats from southern Quang Nam to Binh Thuan provinces and eastern Cambodia.

Habitat:
Ichthyophis nguyenorum is a fossorial species that inhabits tropical evergreen forests. It has been found near farmland and emerges at night, especially after heavy rains. The species is also closely associated with wetlands such as permanent rivers and streams.

Behaviour and ecology: Lifestyle:
This fossorial species lives underground in moist, tropical forest floors. It is primarily active at night, emerging after heavy rainfall. While specific reproductive behavior has not been confirmed, it is likely oviparous, as other species of the Ichthyophis genus are known to lay eggs in burrows near streams.

Diet:
While the specific diet is not well-studied, caecilians typically feed on invertebrates such as worms and other small soil-dwelling organisms.

Conservation and status: IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Ichthyophis nguyenorum is listed as Least Concern due to its wide distribution and presumed large population. It was assessed in 2017.

Population Trend:
The population trend is currently unknown, and the effects of agricultural disturbance on the species are unclear.

Threats:

Habitat Disturbance: Parts of the species’ range are disturbed by agriculture, although the full impact on its population is uncertain.
Habitat Loss: Deforestation and land conversion for farming could potentially threaten the species.
Conservation Actions:
Further surveys are needed to clarify the species’ distribution, population size, and ecology. The species may benefit from habitat conservation efforts targeting tropical evergreen forests in its range.