Lycognathophis seychellensis
| Kingdom |
Phylum |
Class |
Order |
Family |
| ANIMALIA |
CHORDATA |
REPTILIA |
SQUAMATA |
NATRICIDAE |
| Scientific Name: |
Lycognathophis seychellensis |
| Species Authority: |
(Schlegel, 1837) |
Common Name/s:
| English |
– |
Seychelles Wolf Snake |
|
| Synonym/s: |
Scopelophis seychellensis (Schlegel, 1837)
|
| Taxonomic Notes: |
We follow Smith and Wallach (1994) in including this species in the monotypic genus Lycognathophis, rather than in Scopelophis, as proposed by Dowling (1990). |
Assessment Information
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| Red List Category & Criteria: |
Endangered
B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)
ver 3.1
|
| Year Published: |
2006 |
| Assessor/s: |
Gerlach, J. & Ineich, I. |
| Reviewer/s: |
Cox, N. & Stuart, S.N. (Global Reptile Assessment) |
| Contributor/s: |
|
Justification:
Listed as Endangered, because its extent of occurrence is 2,700 km² and its area of occupancy is 133 km², its distribution is severely fragmented, and there is a continuing decline in the extent and quality of its forest habitat, especially on Mahé and Praslin islands.
|
Geographic Range
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Population
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| Population: |
Its population was estimated at 10,038 ± 2,449 animals in 2005 (Gerlach in prep).
|
| Population Trend: |
Decreasing
|
Habitat and Ecology
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| Habitat and Ecology: |
It is a diurnal predator of geckos and skinks, found in forest. It occurs in secondary habitats but is principally found in native vegetation (especially high forest). Secondary habitat is suitable if plant diversity is high and regeneration of native trees occurring, but abandoned plantations and severely degraded habitat appear to be unsuitable. Details of its reproductive biology are largely unknown.
|
| Systems: |
Terrestrial |
| Major Threat(s): |
It is impacted by predation by introduced tenrecs (Tenrec ecaudatus) on Mahé and Praslin. Ongoing invasion of forests (especially on Mahé and Praslin) by Cinnamomum verum is degrading all forest habitats, and this represents a threat to the species.
|
Conservation Actions
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| Conservation Actions: |
It is present in the Morne Seychellois and Praslin National Parks, and in the Aride Special Reserve. There is a record from the Cousine Special Reserve but it is not known if this represents an established population. The major populaiton on Silhouette island should be included with a protected area.
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