Oligodon purpurascens

(Schlegel, 1837)

Vernacular names
English : Brown kukri snake
French : Serpent kukri pourpre

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

Identification
Adults can grow to 95 cm in length. Fairly heavy body with short but wide head. Juveniles are bright red whereas adults are more dull brown to beige-grey with black-edged rusty brown bands on head and back. Underside reddish and black.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South-East Asia, from central south Thailand to Peninsular Malaysia, Java, Sumatra, Borneo and nearby smaller islands. Lives in lowland and lower mountain primary and secondary forests, to 1200 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : This species has a fairly large range and can live in disturbed forests if enough prey items and cover remains. So far it isn’t threatened.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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