Nogge’s water skink – Tropidophorus noggei – Ziegler, Thanh & Thanh, 2005

Science name: Tropidophorus noggei – Ziegler, Thanh & Thanh, 2005

Taxonomic:  Animalia>> Chordata>> Reptilia>> Squamata >> Scincidae >> noggei

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

Description:

Physical Characteristics:

Size:
A large skink, with adult females reaching a snout-vent length (SVL) of 94.9–110.2 mm, and males reaching 101–101.8 mm. The tail length varies between 82.5 mm and 121 mm.
Head Scales:
The upper head scales are smooth. The frontonasal scale is undivided, and the prefrontals may either be in contact or separated. Parietals are usually not in contact posteriorly. There are two loreals and 2–5 supraciliaries.
Facial Features:
The species has six supralabials and 4–5 infralabials, with an undivided postmental scale.
Body Scales:
Midbody scale rows number 22–24, with paravertebral scales ranging from 40–49. The species has two enlarged precloacals.
Tail Scales:
There are 9–10 scale rows at the position of the tenth subcaudal, and there are 18–20 subdigital lamellae under the fourth toe.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation:
Tropidophorus noggei is found in Quang Binh Province, Vietnam, particularly within the karst forest of Cha Noi, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. No specific elevation range is given in current literature.

Area:
This species is endemic to Vietnam, specifically the Quang Binh Province. Its type locality is the karst forest of Cha Noi within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Habitat:
Tropidophorus noggei inhabits steep primary forest areas, often at a distance from streams, preferring karst rock crevices. It has been observed at night at the base of rock outcrops and within narrow rock crevices, about 30 to 50 cm above the forest floor. Although it is thought to be capable of diving, this has not been confirmed. Its habitat is characterized by humid, forested karst landscapes.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle:
Tropidophorus noggei is a nocturnal, saxicolous (rock-dwelling) species. It inhabits karst environments and seems adapted to life in rock crevices, where it seeks shelter at night. While it is presumed capable of diving, this behavior has not been confirmed. The skink feeds on centipedes and insects, which are abundant in its habitat.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. The species was assessed in 2017.

Population Trend:
The population trend is currently unknown. It is known only from its type locality in Quang Binh, suggesting that further research is needed to assess population health and dynamics.

Threats:

Habitat Loss and Degradation:
Tropidophorus noggei inhabits a highly specific karst environment. Destruction or alteration of its habitat could significantly impact its survival, though the extent of such threats is not well documented.
Conservation Actions:

Protected Areas:
The species occurs in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a protected area, which provides some measure of habitat conservation.