Tam Dao Keelback – Opisthotropis tamdaoensis – Ziegler, David & Vu, 2008

Science name: Opisthotropis tamdaoensis – Ziegler, David & Vu, 2008

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

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

Description: 

Physical Characteristics:

Scales: The species is characterized by having 23 dorsal scale rows at the neck, reducing to 17 rows at midbody. The scales are smooth anteriorly and keeled posteriorly.
Supralabials: The species has 8-9 supralabials, with the 5th supralabial contacting the eye.
Infralabials: It has 9-10 infralabials, with the first pair of chin shields being longer than the second.
Ventrals and Subcaudals: The snake possesses 171 ventral scales and 49+ divided subcaudal scales.
Coloration: The species displays a uniform dark olive-grey dorsum, with a pale ventral side. There is also a dark longitudinal lateral stripe amidst the dark dorsal coloration, and slight mottling at the tip of the subcaudal region.
Coloration and Appearance:
The snake’s body is uniformly colored, with no distinct bands or stripes, aside from the longitudinal stripe along its sides. The ventral side is pale, contrasting with the darker dorsum. This cryptic coloration helps it blend into its environment in streams and forested areas.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation:
The holotype of Opisthotropis tamdaoensis was collected at an elevation of approximately 750 meters above sea level.

Area:
This species is known only from Tam Dao National Park, located in Vinh Phuc Province, northern Vietnam. Its type locality is the Bac (Silver) Stream, a montane region characterized by a combination of forested areas and aquatic habitats. The region lies within the Truong Son (Annamite) Range, which is well known for its biodiversity.

Habitat:
Opisthotropis tamdaoensis inhabits secondary evergreen forests near flowing streams. The species has been found beneath rocks in streams, indicating its strong association with freshwater environments. The moist forest and intermittent streams provide the ideal habitat for this snake, which appears to thrive in forested wetlands.

Behaviour and ecology: 

Lifestyle:
Opisthotropis tamdaoensis is primarily nocturnal and is believed to be semi-aquatic, given its collection in flowing streams under rocks. Its nocturnal habits allow it to hunt for small prey in and around water during the night, while resting during the day. The snake feeds on a variety of aquatic animals, including fishes, frogs, tadpoles, freshwater shrimp, and earthworms.

Reproduction:
The species is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs. However, specific reproductive data regarding Opisthotropis tamdaoensis remains unknown.

Conservation and status: 

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Opisthotropis tamdaoensis is listed as Data Deficient due to the lack of sufficient information regarding its population, distribution, and potential threats. The species was assessed in 2011, and no further updates have been made since.

Population Trend:
There is no data available on the population size or trend for this species. It is unclear whether the population is fragmented or stable, and further research is needed to assess its status.

Threats:
The primary potential threat to Opisthotropis tamdaoensis is likely habitat degradation, including deforestation and changes to freshwater ecosystems. The species’ limited distribution in Tam Dao National Park may put it at risk if significant environmental changes occur, though no specific threats have been identified due to a lack of detailed information.

Conservation Actions:
Currently, there are no targeted conservation actions in place for Opisthotropis tamdaoensis. However, since it was discovered in Tam Dao National Park, it may benefit from the general protection afforded to this area. Further research on its ecology, population, and distribution is essential for future conservation planning.

Etymology
The species is named after its type locality, Tam Dao.