Elaphe moellendorffi

(Boettger, 1886)

Vernacular names
English : Moellendorff’s ratsnake
French : Serpent ratier de Moellendorff

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Colubridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow up to 2 meters in length. Elongated head with blunt nose. Coloration is generally greenish-grey with dark round blotches (dark brown to reddish brown) on back. Head is coppery red and tail can exhibit red tinge as well.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in eastern Asia, from South China (Yunnan, Guangxi and Guangdong provinces) to north Vietnam. Lives in caves in limestone areas of rocky forested hillsides, up to 300 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is now considered as rare in the wild, mostly because of overexploitation for the international and local trade, and for food consuption.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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