Vietnamese Scientists Announce Discovery of the Taiwan Rat Snake in Two National Parks in Ha Tinh and Ninh Binh in a Specialty Journal in Early April.
This discovery is the result of months of field surveys and observations conducted by Vietnamese scientists at Vu Quang National Park (Ha Tinh) and Cuc Phuong National Park (Ninh Binh) from late 2020 to the present.
The Taiwan Rat Snake at Vu Quang National Park. (Photo: Sang Trang)
Taiwan Rat Snake, scientifically named Lycodon ruhstrati abdius Vogel et al. 2009, features a brown and white body. The relevant authorities later announced the new distribution area of the Taiwan Rat Snake within the two national parks in Ha Tinh and Ninh Binh, published in the journal Herpetological Review (USA) on April 1.
According to Mr. Thai Canh Toan, Deputy Director of Vu Quang National Park, this is a rare snake species found in primary forests at elevations above 800 meters. Currently, the snake has only been recorded in some regions of Northern and Central Vietnam.
“The discovery of this snake species contributes to the conservation of biodiversity in the national parks,” Mr. Toan stated.
Vu Quang National Park was established in 2002, covering a total area of 57,000 hectares, of which 52,000 hectares are dedicated forests, while the rest consists of protective and production forests. As of the end of 2015, the park was found to have a diverse plant system with nearly 1,800 species across 737 genera and 202 plant families. Among these, 131 endangered species are listed in the Red Book and Government Decree 32. In November 2020, the ASEAN Biodiversity Center recognized Vu Quang National Park as an ASEAN Heritage Park.
Cuc Phuong is Vietnam’s first national park, established in 1962, located 120 km from Hanoi, spanning three provinces: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa. The park covers over 22,000 hectares, primarily covered by tropical rainforests. It is home to more than 2,200 higher plant species and mosses, 122 species of reptiles, 66 species of fish, nearly 2,000 insect species, and 135 species of mammals. Many rare animal species live here, such as the white-legged langur, clouded leopard, and sun bear, along with over 300 bird species. The area also features beautiful caves with significant archaeological value, such as Son Cuong Cave and Pho Ma Giang…
