Elaphe taeniura ridleyi

(Butler, 1899)

Vernacular names
English : Cave-dwelling ratsnake
French : Serpent ratier des cavernes

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Colubridae
Notes : 8 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to nearly 2 meters in length, rarely more. Slender body, long tail, head nearly rectangular in shape. This subspecies is very distinctive with dark head except for lip scales, pinkish to yellow colorations with bands on tail.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs from South Thailand to Malaysia and Singapore. Species found from China and Japan to Sumatra and Borneo. This subspecies lives in caves in forested areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a huge range and can be adaptable but some subspecies could be threatened by habitat loss. Most of its populations are now declining because of the intense trapping for skin and food trade.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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