Andrea’s Keelback – Hebius andreae – (Ziegler & LE Khac Quyet, 2006)

Science name: Hebius andreae – (Ziegler & LE Khac Quyet, 2006)

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

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

Description: Physical characteristics: Hebius andreae is a small, slender snake with a cylindrical tail that tapers toward the end. The tail-to-total length ratio is 0.31. The dorsal scales are keeled and arranged in 19-19-17 rows. The species has nine supralabials, with the fourth to sixth in contact with the eye, and nine infralabials. Its body is relatively slim, and the tail is long and tapering.

Coloration and Appearance:

The dorsal coloration is brownish-olive with pale, black-edged bars before and behind the eyes. The head and neck have several pale blotches with dark edges, transitioning into pale, black-edged transverse bars on the anterior body. These bars gradually dissolve toward the midbody, forming small pale blotches that create a dorsolateral stripe, extending to the tail base.
The ventral side is light-colored, with dark lateral spots along the forebody.
The head features prominent pale blotches, and the eyes are highlighted by pale, black-edged bars, giving the species a striking appearance.

Distribution and habitat: Elevation: Found at an elevation of 450 meters above sea level.
Area: Hebius andreae is only known from a single locality adjacent to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Thuong Hoa commune, Minh Hoa district, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam. It is speculated that the species may also occur in neighboring Laos, but this has not been confirmed.
Habitat: This species inhabits forested limestone valleys, where it was found near a stream. Hebius species are generally associated with water, though little is known about this specific species’ habitat preferences.

Behaviour and ecology: Lifestyle: This species was discovered on the forest floor during the late afternoon in a limestone valley near water. Hebius species generally prefer habitats near water sources. However, there is currently no detailed information available regarding the behavior or natural history of Hebius andreae.

Reproduction: The species is oviparous, though no information on its reproductive behavior or cycle is currently available.

Conservation and status: IUCN Red List Category and Criteria: Listed as Data Deficient (DD) due to the lack of sufficient data on its distribution, population, and potential threats.
Threats: No known threats have been identified for this species, but further research is needed to assess whether habitat loss or other factors pose risks.
Conservation actions: Since the species is only known from a single specimen, more surveys and research are necessary to determine its population status, distribution, and ecological needs. Its occurrence near Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park may offer some protection due to the area’s conservation status.