Huahin Kukri Snake

Oligodon huahin, the Hua Hin kukri snake, is a species of kukri snakes in the genus Oligodon (Fitzinger, 1826). The species was first discovered and described in late 2016, and the article was published July 13, 2017. It is only known from its type locality but its range is likely to be more extensive. O. huahin is thought to be very secretive, similar to other species of the genus Oligodon. This theory is supported by the type specimen, which all were males, suggesting that it was found during the mating season where males are out and actively search for females to reproduce. This may also explain why this species had not yet been discovered

Phylogeny

Oligodon huahin is a member of the genus Oligodon, a genus common throughout central and tropical Asia. It belongs to the snake family Colubridae, the largest snake family, with member species to be found on every continent, except Antarctica.

Etymology

The specific epithet is an invariable noun in honor of the administrative district where the type locality lies and of its charming main city Hua Hin. O. huahin is the first species of snake endemic to Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Thailand. The following common names are suggested "Hua Hin Kukri Snake" (English), "Ngu Ngod Hua Hin" «งูงอดหัวหิน» or "Ngu Peekeaw Hua Hin" «งูปี่แก้วหัวหิน» (Thai), "Oligodon de Hua Hin" (French), "Hua Hin Kukrinatter" (German) and Hua Hin kukrislange" (Norwegian)

Habitat, behaviour, ecology and syntopy

The habitat, behaviour and ecology of this species is poorly known. All type specimens used for the species description were found in a moist mixed bamboo forest area with a forest stream. This type of habitat is excellent for a broad range of species with a rich species diversity of both amphibians and reptiles. Based on data for other members of the genus Oligodon, O. huahin is thought to be an oviparous (egg-laying) species, as it is not observed any viviparity (giving live birth) among any species within this genus. This species is nocturnal. Other species observed in the syntopy are as follows:

Reptiles

Lizards

(Agamidae)

Calotes versicolor (Daudin, 1802)

(Gekkonidae)

Cyrtodactylus phetchaburiensis Pauwels, Sumontha & Bauer, 2016

Dixonius siamensis (Boulenger, 1899)

Hemidactylus platyurus (Schneider, 1797)

(Scincidae)

Eutropis macularia (Blyth, 1853)

Lygosoma quadrupes (Linnaeus, 1766)

Snakes

(Colubridae)

Ahaetulla prasina (F. Boie, 1827)

Boiga siamensis Nutaphand, 1971

Boiga cyanea (Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854)

Chrysopelea ornata (Shaw, 1802)

Coelognathus radiatus (F. Boie, 1827)

Lycodon davisoni (Blanford, 1878)

Lycodon capucinus (F. Boie1827)

Lycodon laoensis Günther, 1864

Oligodon fasciolatus Günther, 1864