Sand Kukri Snake – Oligodon arenarius – Vassilieva, 2015

Science name: Oligodon arenarius – Vassilieva, 2015

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

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

Description: Physical Characteristics:
Oligodon arenarius is a small snake with a cylindrical, slender body. Its coloration is pale gray, adorned with scattered irregular dark spots across its dorsal scales. Two distinctive brown stripes extend from the scales near the top of its head, down each side of its face. A brown, inverted cup-shaped marking starts at the middle of the head and widens as it extends towards the nape. The snout is narrow and triangular, pointed at the tip, and the nostrils are large and oval-shaped. Its eyes are small, about 0.17 times the length of the head, with round pupils.

The species has 17 rows of dorsal scales, 6-8 supralabials (upper jaw scales) on each side, 5-6 infralabials (lower jaw scales), and 131-144 ventral scales that are pale pink. The tail scales range from 36-40 in females and 58-60 in males.

Coloration and Appearance:
The body is primarily pale gray with scattered dark spots and two distinct brown stripes running from the head down to the cheeks. A unique brown marking forms an inverted “V” shape starting at the top of the head and extending to the back of the neck.

Distribution and habitat: Elevation:
There is no specific elevation range recorded for this species.

Area:
Oligodon arenarius is endemic to Vietnam, specifically discovered in the Bình Châu – Phước Bửu Nature Reserve, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu Province. It inhabits coastal sand dunes, semi-arid forests, and sandy regions.

Habitat:
The species is adapted to sandy coastal environments, with quick movements that allow it to navigate sand efficiently. It is found in semi-arid forests, open dry woodlands, and sandy coastal regions, reflecting its name, arenarius, meaning “living on sand.”

Behaviour and ecology: Lifestyle:
The Oligodon arenarius is well-suited to life on sandy coastal areas. It is a fast-moving species, able to navigate sandy environments with ease. Like other kukri snakes, it is presumed to be primarily nocturnal, foraging at night and seeking shelter under debris or sand during the day.

Reproduction:
Though there is no specific reproductive information available, it is likely that Oligodon arenarius is oviparous, like other members of the genus Oligodon. This reproductive strategy involves laying eggs, which are typically hidden in sandy or concealed areas.

Conservation and status: IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
As this species was newly described in 2016, there is limited data on its population trends or potential threats. It has not yet been assessed by the IUCN Red List.

Population Trend:
The population trend for Oligodon arenarius is currently unknown due to its recent discovery and limited studies on the species.

Threats:
Potential threats to Oligodon arenarius may include habitat degradation due to human activity such as coastal development, deforestation, or changes in land use. As its habitat is coastal and semi-arid, any significant alterations to these ecosystems could impact the species.

Conservation Actions:
There are no specific conservation actions in place for Oligodon arenarius. Given its recent discovery and the specialized nature of its habitat, further research is needed to assess its population status and potential threats, which would inform conservation efforts if needed.