Acrochordus javanicus

(Hornstedt, 1787)

Vernacular names

English : Elephant trunk snake
French : Acrochorde de Java, Serpent trompe-d’éléphant

Classification

Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Acrochordidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification

Adults can reach more than 2 meters in length. Flat head, small eyes, loose wrinkly and granular skin. Coloration usually beige-brown with indistinct dark markings and blotches on clearer flanks, brighter with juveniles. Yellowish belly.

Range and habitat

The species is found in South East Asia, from Thailand and Mainland Malaysia to Sumatra, Borneo, Java and nearby smaller islands. Lives in inland freshwater habitat, including marshes and rice fields. Also estuaries.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a wide range and remains common despite being heavily collected for pet trade and leather trade. Vulnerable to loss of habitat.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation