Rendahl’s Wolf Snake – Lycodon paucifasciatus – Rendahl, 1943

Science name: Lycodon paucifasciatus – Rendahl, 1943

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

Species status: Endemic ; IUCN status: VU (Vunerable)

Description:

Physical Characteristics:
Lycodon paucifasciatus is characterized by having 19 dorsal scale rows on the forepart of the body, which reduces to 17 or 19 rows at midbody. The upper dorsal scale rows, particularly the vertebral row, are distinctly keeled.
It has between 14-25 dorsal bands on the body, with the first band starting between ventral scales 10-15.
It has a distinct dental formula with 6 maxillary teeth followed by 3-4 and then 2 additional teeth.
Coloration and Appearance:
The species exhibits a relatively low number of dorsal bands, as indicated by its name. These bands are light-colored and contrast with the darker background of the body.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation: Lycodon paucifasciatus has been found at elevations between 300 and 500 meters above sea level.
Area: This species is native to central Vietnam, where it has been recorded in Thua Luu (Thua Thien-Hue Province) and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (Quang Binh Province). The extent of occurrence is estimated to be around 9,219 km², but it has only been reported from two specific sites, making its wider distribution unclear.
Habitat: Lycodon paucifasciatus inhabits tropical moist evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. It is a nocturnal species, often found on the ground. The forest degradation and loss of habitat due to logging and agricultural expansion are major concerns for this species’ habitat.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle:
Lycodon paucifasciatus is nocturnal and secretive, which likely contributes to the limited number of observations and records of the species.
Like other wolf snakes, it is presumed to feed on small vertebrates, although specific dietary habits for this species remain undocumented.
Reproduction:
This species is oviparous (egg-laying), although detailed information on its reproductive behavior, clutch size, and timing remains unknown.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:

Vulnerable (VU) under criteria B1ab(iii). This designation is based on its relatively small area of occurrence (around 9,219 km²), with only two known disjunct populations. The continuing decline in the quality of its forest habitat due to logging and agricultural activities further threatens its survival.
Threats:

The primary threats to Lycodon paucifasciatus include habitat degradation and loss caused by logging and agricultural expansion, which result in the destruction of the forested areas where it resides.
Conservation Actions:

To safeguard the species, efforts should focus on the protection of its forest habitat, particularly in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Thua Thien-Hue Province. Additional research into its population size, distribution, and ecology is also needed to inform effective conservation strategies.