Elaphe carinata yonaguiniensis

(Takara, 1962)

Vernacular names

English : Taiwan stink snake
French : Serpent ratier caréné de Taiwan

Classification

Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Colubridae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known.

Identification

The species can reach up to 2.40 m in length although this length is rare in the wild. Scales are big and keeled. Pupil is oval to teardrop shaped. Coloration brown-grey to olive or even yellow with intricate black markings.

Range and habitat

This subspecies occurs on Taiwan and in Ryukyu Islands in south Japan. Species also found throughout China and in northern Vietnam. Lives in humid forests, bamboo forests, thick woodlands, up to 2000 m.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a huge range but is locally overexploited. Loss of habitat can become a problem if it increases.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation