Achalinus werneri, also known commonly as the Amami odd-scaled snake and the Amami Takachiho snake, is a species of snake in the family Xenodermatidae.[1][2] The species is endemic to the Ryukyu Islands, Japan.[1] There are no subspecies that are currently recognized.[2]

Achalinus werneri
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Xenodermidae
Genus: Achalinus
Species:
A. werneri
Binomial name
Achalinus werneri
Synonyms

Etymology edit

The specific name, werneri, is in honor of Austrian herpetologist Franz Werner.[3]

Habitat edit

The preferred natural habitats of A werneri are forest, grassland, and freshwater wetlands.[1]

Reproduction edit

A. werneri is oviparous.[2]

Conservation status edit

In 1996 the species Achalinus werneri was classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN.[1] This is because its range is estimated to be less than 20,000 km2 (7,722 sq mi), or its area of occupancy is estimated to be less than 2,000 km2 (772 sq mi), and estimates indicate its range is severely fragmented, or known to exist at no more than ten locations, and that a continuing decline has been inferred, observed or projected in the area, extent and/or quality of its habitat.[4]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e Kidera, N.; Ota, H. (2017). "Achalinus werneri". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T161A96877297. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T161A96877297.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b c Achalinus werneri at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 27 February 2016.
  3. ^ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Achalinus werneri, p. 282).
  4. ^ 1994 Categories & Criteria (version 2.3) Archived September 13, 2008, at the Wayback MachineIUCN Red List. Accessed 16 August 2007.

Further reading edit

  • Goris RC, Maeda N (2004). Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Japan. Malabar, Florida: Krieger Publishing Company. 285 pp. ISBN 978-1575240855.
  • Ota H (2000). "Current status of the threatened amphibians and reptiles of Japan". Population Ecology 42: 5–9.
  • Van Denburgh J (1912). "Concerning Certain Species of Reptiles and Amphibians from China, Japan, the Loo Choo Islands, and Formosa". Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences, Fourth Series 3: 187–258. (Achalinus werneri, new species, pp. 254–255).