South-east Asian Green Grass Lizard – Takydromus hani – Chou, Truong & Pauwels, 2001

Science name: Takydromus hani – Chou, Truong & Pauwels, 2001

Taxonomic:  Animalia>> Chordata>> Reptilia>> Squamata >> Lacertidae >> hani

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

Description: Physical Characteristics:

Size: The snout-vent length (SVL) of Takydromus hani is 63.4 mm, with a tail length of 213.1 mm, a significant portion of which may be regenerated.
Body Features: This species has a slender, elongated body, with a pointed snout and distinct scales. There are 4 supraoculars on each side, 6 upper labials, and 6 lower labials. It has distinct keeled dorsal scales arranged in 6 rows along its body.
Coloration: The dorsum and tail of the species are green, with the ventral surfaces of the head, body, and tail being yellowish-green. A thin black stripe runs from the eye to the tympanum, often interrupted by the eye itself. The legs are green dorsally and yellowish on the underside, with dark brown coloration on the toes.
Distinctive Traits:
This species is distinct from other Takydromus species such as Takydromus sexlineatus based on its coloration and scalation, as well as differences in body proportions and habitat preferences.

Distribution and habitat: Elevation:
The South-East Asian Green Grass Lizard (Takydromus hani) is found at elevations ranging from 200 m to 1,450 m above sea level in various provinces of Vietnam, including Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, and Kon Tum.

Area:
This species is currently known from several regions in Vietnam, specifically the provinces of Ha Tinh (Huong Son District), Quang Binh (adjacent to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park), Quang Nam (Ngoc Linh Mountain), Thua Thien-Hue (Bach Ma), Da Nang (Ba Na), and Kon Tum (Kon Plong District). Its range extends along the highlands bordering Vietnam and Laos.

Habitat:
Takydromus hani inhabits both lowland and montane subtropical forests. It is often found on bush branches, 1 to 1.5 meters above the ground. The species thrives in riparian forests, showing a preference for the canopies of trees. In addition, it has been known to adapt to degraded habitats near human settlements, although its primary habitat remains intact forest areas.

Behaviour and ecology: Lifestyle:
Takydromus hani is a diurnal and arboreal species that spends most of its time on bushes and in the tree canopy. It forages for insects and other invertebrates. The species is known to be agile and secretive, making use of its environment for both food and protection from predators.

Reproduction:
Females of this species are oviparous, laying 2-3 eggs on the ground, usually at the base of grasses or other vegetation. The reproductive season and incubation periods remain under-studied, but the eggs are likely laid during the warmer months.

Conservation and status: IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Takydromus hani is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, due to its relatively broad distribution and occurrence in protected areas like Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Bach Ma National Park.

Population Trend:
While the exact population trend of Takydromus hani is currently unknown, it is not considered severely fragmented or under immediate threat. The species occurs in multiple locations across its range, with no signs of significant population decline.

Threats:
The primary threats to Takydromus hani are habitat loss due to deforestation and land conversion, particularly in lowland forest areas. The increasing pressure from agriculture and infrastructure development in Vietnam poses risks to this species’ natural habitat, especially in regions that are not within protected areas.

Conservation Actions:
Takydromus hani is found in several protected areas, such as Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Bach Ma National Park, which provide some measure of habitat protection. Further research into its population dynamics and habitat requirements will help inform future conservation efforts.

Etymology
The species name hani is in honor of Professor Pao-the Han, a distinguished architect and designer from Taiwan. He was the first director of the Taiwanese National Museum of Natural Science, serving from 1981 to 1995.