The First Record of <i>Scincella nigrofasciata</i> Neang, Chan et Poyarkov, 2018 (Reptile, Squamata, Scincidae) in Lava Caves in Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark, Vietnam

The genus Scincella Mittleman of the family Scincidae Gray, 1825 currently includes 39 species. Among them, Scincella nigrofasciata Neang, Chan et Poyarkov, 2018, has hitherto been recorded only in the forest habitats at two locations: Mondulkiri Province, Cambodia as the type locality and Ba Ria Vung Tau Province, Vietnam as second record. Here, we fill the gap in their distribution by reporting the first population of S. nigrofasciata living in lava caves, in Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark, Dak Nong Province, Vietnam. Also, limited connectivity between cave populations and those outside the cave may lead to the surprising differences between them, inferring the independent adaptation to the lava cave habitats. Threats posed by human visits endanger these unique habitats, emphasizing the importance of surveys and conservation planning.