Vietnamese Blue Crested Lizard – Calotes bachae – Hartmann, Geissler, Poyarkov, Ihlow, Galoyan, Rödder & Böhme, 2013

Science name: Calotes bachae – Hartmann, Geissler, Poyarkov, Ihlow, Galoyan, Rödder & Böhme, 2013

Taxonomic:  Animalia>> Chordata>> Reptilia>> Squamata >> Agamidae >> bachae

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

Description:

Physical characteristics: A medium-sized Calotes species, with a snout-vent length (SVL) reaching up to 97 mm. The body scales are relatively small, homogeneous, and feebly keeled, arranged in regular rows with 44-50 midbody scale rows. Two short, separated spines are located above the tympanum. The nuchal and dorsal crests are continuous and composed of erect, compressed scales. Males have 35–42 vertebral spines and scales, while females have 43–46.
Coloration: Males exhibit a bluish to turquoise coloration on the head and anterior body, fading beyond the front limbs. A yellowish stripe runs from below the anterior corner of the eye to the posterior end of the head. Faint or no brownish blotches may appear along the dorsal crest.
Sexual Dimorphism: Males typically display brighter and more vivid coloration compared to females, especially during the breeding season.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation: Found at elevations between 90 to 114 meters.
Area: Endemic to southern Vietnam and Cambodia, with potential occurrence in Laos. In Vietnam, it has been recorded from Dong Nai (Cat Tien National Park), Binh Phuoc (Bu Gia Map National Park), and Dak Lak. In Cambodia, it has been recorded in Kratie Province and Virachey National Park.
Habitat: Calotes bachae inhabits undisturbed evergreen forests, agricultural areas, and sometimes urban gardens. It can be found resting on trees, twigs, and logs. It is often encountered at heights of 0.5 to 0.7 meters above the ground

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle: Calotes bachae is arboreal, spending much of its time in trees, where it hunts for insects. It has been observed resting on twigs and logs during the day.
Reproduction: This species is oviparous, with females laying eggs following the rainy season. The eggs are buried in the ground, and the incubation period is entirely temperature-dependent.
Activity patterns: It is diurnal, with active periods primarily during daylight hours. Its long, slender limbs and tail aid in climbing and navigating its arboreal habitat.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria: Least Concern
Date assessed: 23 May 2017
Justification: Listed as Least Concern on the basis that this species has a wide range (which may be considerably wider than presently known), it is adaptable, and no major threats have been identified.