Langaha madagascariensis

(Bonaterre, 1790)

Vernacular names

English : Madagascar leaf-nosed snake
French : Serpent à nez en feuille de Madagascar

Classification

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

Identification

The species can reach up to 1 meter in length but is usually shorter. Body very slender, long and flat head. Female is mottled brown or grey with leaf-shape nose appendage. Male is brown with yellow belly and elongated nose.

Range and habitat

The species is endemic to Madagascar and found throughout the island’s lowland forests. It is commonest in the north. Also found on Nosy Be. Lives in both humid and dry forests, usually in lowlands.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species isn’t known to be threatened but ongoing habitat destruction in Madagascar could be a threat. Most common in the north.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation