| Citation |
Nguyen, T.Q. 2018. Sphenomorphus tritaeniatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T178496A112160228. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T178496A112160228.en. Downloaded on 11 August 2020. |
Description |
JUSTIFICATION
Listed as Near Threatened on the basis that this species has an extent of occurrence below 2,000 km2 and is known from two localities, each treated here as a single location. It is consequently close to qualifying for listing as Endangered applying criterion B, and there is a continuing - but limited - decline in the extent and quality of its habitat in Tam Dao, and much of the surrounding area has been converted into urban and agricultural land. Nevertheless both localities lie within national parks, no major threats have been identified to Cuc Phuong, and impacts in Tam Dao are unlikely to be sufficient to threaten the survival of this subpopulation. As such this species is not at immediate risk of extinction.
RANGE DESCRIPTION
This species is found in Viet Nam around the Red River delta (Bobrov 1993). It is known only from Tam Dao and Cuc Phuong National Park. Cuc Phuong National Park has an area of 222 km², and Tam Dao (the type locality) is a hill station which also lies within a national park. The species distribution may be broader than presently recognized.
DESCRIPTION
It is a rare species.
HABITAT AND ECOLOGY
This species inhabits both upland and lowland evergreen rainforest. It can be found in both primary and secondary habitat (T. Nguyen pers. comm. 2017).
THREATS
Forest in Tam Dao has been degraded by the construction of tourist infrastructure and associated roads, timber logging, and agriculture, and although this site is a national park some of these impacts are ongoing (Q.T. Nguyen pers. comm. 2017). Much of the unprotected area between and around the known sites has been converted into mostly urban and agricultural land, and there is almost no lowland rainforest left in northern Viet Nam (R. Bain pers. comm. 2010). The species is presently likely to be largely secure in Cuc Phuong National Park (Q.T. Nguyen pers. comm. 2017).
USE AND TRADE
This species is not found in trade.
CONSERVATION ACTIONS
This species is known from Cuc Phuong National Park (IUCN Category II), which has been protected since 1962 and a designated national park since 1966, and from Tam Dao National Park. Further research on the population, distribution, and threats to the species is recommended to determine if it falls within a threatened category in the future. |
