Mangrove snake
Physical features
The mangrove snake’s length can vary from 5-6 ft.
Mangrove snakes are an arboreal species, meaning they spend most of their time in the trees.
Mangrove snakes exhibit a behavior known as bridging. This is when a snake is able to stretch its body across gaps between tree branches.
Mangrove snakes have a very distinct coloration. They have a dark black background color and bright yellow rings.
They are rear-fanged snakes. This means that they inject their venom via the back teeth versus the front.
They possess mild venom. This venom can cause mild inflammation in humans.
Range and Habitat
Range – Southeast Asia (Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia)
Habitat – mangroves, swamps, rainforests
Diet: Carnivore
Wild – Small mammals, amphibians and lizards.
Zoo – Rats, mice, and chicks
Lifespan
Wild – Unknown
Zoo – 12-20 years
Reproduction
The females of this species are oviparous.
This species lays clutches of 4-15 eggs, which take approximately 3-4 months to hatch.
Conservation: Not Evaluated
This species is wide-ranging and appears to have few threats.
Interpretive Information
Their yellow and black color makes for great camouflage in mangrove forests.
Mangrove snakes tend to perch in trees at night in order to catch their prey.
Mangrove snakes are strong swimmers.
Scientists are finding pharmacological properties in various snake venoms. Proteins found in snake venom are helping scientists discover ways to treat different illnesses such as cancer.
They have obtained the common name mangrove snake because they are often found in mangroves.
Natural behaviors such as bridging can help scientists apply observations to current technological developments (robots, bridges, etc).
They have elliptical pupils and therefore are sometimes known as cat or cat-eyed snakes.
References
Mangrove Snake. Retrieved January 4, 2015, from http://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Boiga&species=dendrophila
Mangrove Cat Snake. Retrieved January 4, 2015, from http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Boiga_dendrophila
Mangrove snake - Boiga dendrophila - Australian Reptile Park. Retrieved January 4, 2015, from http://www.reptilepark.com.au/animalprofile.asp?id=190
Mangrove snake. Retrieved January 4, 2015, from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/362052/mangrove-snake#ref959859
Zoo Atlanta Keeper Staff
Updated January 2015