Boiga dendrophila divergens

(Taylor, 1922)

Vernacular names

English : Mangrove snake
French : Serpent des mangroves insulaire

Classification

Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Colubridae
Notes : 7 other subspecies known.

Identification

Adults can reach up to 2.50 meters in length. Triangular body section, long tail, large head with round snout. Yellow throat. Coloration is shiny black with transversal yellow bands. This subspecies has blue scales between yellow bands.

Range and habitat

This subspecies is endemic to Luzon and Polillo (Philippines). Species found in Indonesia, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Java, Sulawesi and Philippines. Lives in lowland rainforests, humid areas of woodlands, mangrove swamps.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a huge range and still remains common despite local collecting for the pet trade. Some subspecies from Philippines need monitoring.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation