Sokolov’s Glass Lizard – Dopasia sokolovi – (Darevsky & Nguyen Van Sang, 1983)

Science name: Dopasia sokolovi – (Darevsky & Nguyen Van Sang, 1983)

Taxonomic:  Animalia>> Chordata>> Reptilia>> Squamata >> Anguidae >> sokolovi

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

Description:

Physical characteristics: Dopasia sokolovi is a medium-sized, legless lizard with a snout-vent length (SVL) ranging from 138.5 to 169.3 mm, and a tail length of 448 mm. The body is slightly flattened dorsoventrally. It has distinct keeled scales, with 16–18 longitudinal rows between the lateral folds and 10 ventral scale rows. The dorsal scales are strongly keeled, forming a continuous ridge along the back and tail. The coloration is light brown with darker markings on the head and back. The ventral side is lighter, with two dark brown stripes on either side of the belly extending to the cloaca.

Coloration and Appearance: The body is light brown, with darker shades on the head and a series of darker, transverse markings on the back. The underside is paler, with dark brown stripes running along the sides of the body.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation: Found at elevations between 700 and 1,100 meters above sea level.
Area: Dopasia sokolovi is native to Vietnam, with records from Quang Nam (Ngoc Linh Mountain), Gia Lai (K’ Bang District, Kon Cha Rang), Dak Lak (Chu Yang Sin), Kon Tum (Chu Mom Ray National Park), and Lam Dong (Bi Doup-Nui Ba National Park). The type locality is in Buon Luoi, K’ Bang District, Gia Lai Province.
Habitat: This species inhabits both primary and secondary evergreen forests. It has not been recorded outside forested habitats.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle: Dopasia sokolovi is diurnal and fossorial, often found hiding under leaf litter and around large tree roots or rocks in its forest habitat. It feeds on larvae and other small invertebrates.

Reproduction: This species is oviparous. A female specimen collected in April was found carrying nine eggs, each measuring up to 9.2 x 6.2 mm.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria: Listed as Least Concern (LC) due to its relatively wide distribution and lack of significant threats across its range.

Threats: No major threats have been identified. However, localized habitat destruction due to deforestation may impact some populations.

Conservation actions: Continued habitat protection in national parks, such as Bi Doup-Nui Ba and Chu Mom Ray, is important for the species’ conservation. Monitoring of populations in disturbed areas is recommended.