Crotalus catalinensis

(Cliff, 1954)

Vernacular names
English : Santa Catalina island rattlesnake
French : Crotale de Santa Catalina

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

Identification
Adults can reach a maximum length of 73 cm. Unmistakable species with very slim body and no rattle (only last segment present). Ground coloration from cream to dark beige, dark diamond-shaped blotches on back. Black and cream tail.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in North America and is endemic to Santa Catalina Island, off Baja California peninsula, in the Cortez Sea. Lives in arid rocky desert and semi-desert with sparse bush and cacti cover.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is endemic to a single small island. Its numbers are declining because of persecution, pollution and predation by feral animals.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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