Three-striped Skink – Sphenomorphus tritaeniatus – (Bourret, 1937)

Science name: Sphenomorphus tritaeniatus – (Bourret, 1937)

Taxonomic:  Animalia>> Chordata>> Reptilia>> Squamata >> Scincidae >> tritaeniatus

Species status: Endemic ; IUCN status: NT (Near Threatened)

Description: Physical Characteristics:
The description of Sphenomorphus tritaeniatus focuses on its classification within the Scincidae family, which includes slender-bodied skinks with smooth, overlapping scales. Though details about its specific morphology are limited, it shares general characteristics with other members of the Sphenomorphus genus, such as a streamlined body adapted for life in forested environments.

Distinctive Traits:
The species was first described as Lygosoma tritaeniatum by Bourret in 1937 and later reclassified into the genus Sphenomorphus. It is distinguished by its three longitudinal stripes, from which it derives its species name “tritaeniatus,” meaning “three-striped.”

Distribution and habitat: Elevation:
The species Sphenomorphus tritaeniatus is found at various elevations in both lowland and upland rainforest regions, primarily in Tam Dao and Cuc Phuong National Park in northern Vietnam.

Area:
Sphenomorphus tritaeniatus is known from two main locations: Tam Dao and Cuc Phuong National Park, both of which are protected areas. Tam Dao is a hill station within a national park, while Cuc Phuong National Park covers an area of 222 km². The species’ range may extend beyond these two regions, but further research is needed to confirm this.

Habitat:
This species inhabits both primary and secondary evergreen rainforests. It is found in subtropical/tropical moist lowland and montane forests. The species appears to be adaptable, as it occurs in both intact and disturbed forest environments.

Behaviour and ecology: Lifestyle:
Sphenomorphus tritaeniatus is a diurnal and terrestrial species that forages during the day. It is primarily active in moist environments, where it likely preys on small invertebrates, such as insects, found in the forest floor litter. It thrives in both primary and secondary forests, indicating some adaptability to habitat disturbance.

Reproduction:
The reproductive biology of Sphenomorphus tritaeniatus is not well documented, but as a member of the Sphenomorphus genus, it is presumed to be oviparous, laying eggs in hidden, moist locations within its forest habitat.

Conservation and status: IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Sphenomorphus tritaeniatus is currently listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. It falls under the category B1a, which is due to its limited distribution and the potential threats to its habitat. The most recent assessment was conducted in 2017.

Population Trend:
The population trend of Sphenomorphus tritaeniatus is unknown. The species is considered rare, and there is limited data on population size, distribution, or trends.

Threats:
The main threats to this species include habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation and human activities within its limited range. While both Tam Dao and Cuc Phuong National Park offer some protection, ongoing habitat destruction outside these areas may still pose risks to its population.

Conservation Actions:
Though Sphenomorphus tritaeniatus benefits from living in protected areas, no specific conservation actions have been targeted toward this species. Continued protection of its forest habitats and further research are essential to better understand its population dynamics and ecological needs.

Etymology
The species name tritaeniatus refers to the three longitudinal stripes that are a distinguishing feature of this skink. It was originally described by Bourret in 1937 under the name Lygosoma tritaeniatum before being reclassified as a member of the Sphenomorphus genus.