Ma Da grass lizard – Takydromus madaensis – Bobrov, 2013

Science name: Takydromus madaensis – Bobrov, 2013

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

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

Description:

Physical Characteristics:

Size: The species is slender and adapted for a grassland and forested environment, although precise measurements from the original description are limited.
Body Features: The body of Takydromus madaensis is likely elongated and well-suited for its habitat, much like other members of the Takydromus genus. It is assumed to have distinct scalation patterns similar to congeners, though detailed descriptions are not widely available.
Coloration and Appearance:
The lizard is likely green or brown, camouflaging well in its forest floor environment, but further observations are needed to confirm its exact coloration.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation:
The Ma Da Grass Lizard (Takydromus madaensis) is currently known from a lowland area in southern Vietnam. There are no specific elevation data available for this species, but it has been recorded in lowland dipterocarp forests.

Area:
This species is endemic to Vietnam, specifically to the Ma Da Forest in Dong Nai Province. Its range may extend beyond the current known locality, but further field studies are required to confirm its distribution. Currently, it is known only from its type locality.

Habitat:
Takydromus madaensis inhabits secondary lowland dipterocarp forests. The available habitat information suggests that it favors forested environments, but there is limited data on its exact ecological preferences and adaptability. Given its distribution in southern Vietnam, the species likely requires subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest conditions.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle:
This species is believed to be diurnal and terrestrial, similar to other Takydromus species. It probably spends much of its time foraging for small insects in low vegetation. However, its behavior remains largely unknown due to the limited number of specimens and lack of extensive fieldwork.

Reproduction:
Takydromus madaensis is oviparous, but detailed reproductive behaviors, such as clutch size or breeding season, have not been documented due to the scarcity of observations.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Takydromus madaensis is listed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List, as there is insufficient information available on its population size, distribution, or threats. The most recent assessment was conducted in 2017.

Population Trend:
The population trend of Takydromus madaensis is currently unknown. It is only known from a single specimen, making it difficult to assess population stability or decline.

Threats:
The main potential threat to Takydromus madaensis is habitat loss due to deforestation and land conversion for agriculture and other forms of development. The Ma Da Forest is located in a region where deforestation has impacted native species, making habitat degradation a concern for this lizard.

Conservation Actions:
There are currently no specific conservation actions in place for Takydromus madaensis. However, its presence in the Ma Da Forest might offer some level of protection. Further research is needed to determine its population size, distribution, and ecological needs to guide future conservation efforts.

Etymology
The species is named “madaensis” after its type locality, Ma Da Forest in Dong Nai Province, Vietnam. The name reflects the importance of this region as the habitat for this newly described species.