Gongshan Wolf Snake

biology_ecology

Natural history. Specimens of Lycodon gongshan were found at mid elevations between 1540 – 2173 meters in a variety of habitats. Most specimens were located in subtropical evergreen forests and montane broadleaf forests but appear to tolerate more disturbed forested habitats and agricultural edges as well (Chen et al. 2018; Cai & Ding 2024). The specimen recorded by Huang et al. (2021) from Zayu County was found in rocky, semi-arid steppe associated with dry river canyons of the Nujiang (Salween) River. Based on field observations, this species seems to be primarily nocturnal throughout its range. Specimens from Gongshan County (CAS 241963, 242669) were found crawling through vegetation or rocky slopes along roadsides during the evening in humid conditions (19 – 23 ºC air temperature; 78 – 91 % humidity). Unfortunately, whether the rock substrate was limestone or granite was not recorded. The Myanmar specimen (CAS 245470) was also recorded in the evening (2053 hrs local time) during humid conditons (75.6 ºF, 70 % humidity). Another specimen from Lushui City was found dead on the road in the evening (Huang et al. 2021), and both specimens from the Panzhihua City region were collecte

A new species of wolf snake Lycodon Fitzinger, 1826 from China and Myanmar (Squamata: Colubridae), and new data on Lycodon gongshan Vogel & Luo, 2011

conservation

Conservation status. The most recent IUCN Red List assessment of Lycodon gongshan (Cai & Ding 2024) lists this species as “ Least Concern ” and did not identify any major threats across its range. The distribution of L. gongshan has significantly expanded since its original description and is now known to occur within several protected areas (including the Gongshan and Yulong NRs). Additionally, this species seems to be tolerant of a wide variety of habitats, including those that may undergo some levels of human disturbance. Nevertheless, large scale deforestation in parts of its range (such as Myanmar) may negatively impact populations.

A new species of wolf snake Lycodon Fitzinger, 1826 from China and Myanmar (Squamata: Colubridae), and new data on Lycodon gongshan Vogel & Luo, 2011

description

(Figs. 5 G – I, 6 E – F, 7 C, 8, Appendix Fig. S 2; Table 1, Appendix Table S 4)

A new species of wolf snake Lycodon Fitzinger, 1826 from China and Myanmar (Squamata: Colubridae), and new data on Lycodon gongshan Vogel & Luo, 2011

description

General description and variation. Based on thirteen specimens (including the type series; holotype + three paratypes). The longest specimen is an adult female (KIZ 35112; SVL 798 mm, TaL 207 mm but partially broken). The longest male specimen is the holotype (KIZ 730034; SVL 740 mm, TaL 223 mm), which also happens to be the longest specimen with a complete tail. Ratio TaL / TL 0.21 – 0.27 (x ̄ = 0.23 ± 0.02; n = 10). Body elongate, tail gracile, terminal scute blunt ended. Head ovate in adults, more oblong in juveniles, distinct from neck, temporal and parietal region same height as rest of head. Snout obtuse, slightly depressed in lateral profile, no canthus rostralis. Nostrils large, rounded, positioned medially within nasal. Eyes moderate, pupil elliptical. No sexual dimorphism evident in body or head proportions. Body scalation. Dorsal scales in 17 - 17 - 15 rows. Most specimens have entirely keeled scales except for the outermost five rows (which are smooth) at midbody and posteriorly. However, a specimen from Kachin State, Myanmar (CAS 245470) has four smooth rows at midbody and two posteriorly, and one specimen from Panzhihua, Sichuan Province (CIB DL. 055) has three smooth

A new species of wolf snake Lycodon Fitzinger, 1826 from China and Myanmar (Squamata: Colubridae), and new data on Lycodon gongshan Vogel & Luo, 2011