Endangered Species - The Fiji burrowing snake
Bit off subject but thought I would highlight this snake from Fiji as it is on the endangered list.
Photo: Paddy Ryan. A juvenile Fiji Burrowing snake, with the distinguishing yellow mark on the back of the head.
The Fiji burrowing snake is very distinct from the more widely known Pacific Boa, Candoia bibroni.
The Fiji burrowing snake is much smaller, growing up to a maximum snout-vent length of 30 cm. It has a small head which is indistinct from the neck, a short tail, and smooth body scales. The body is a uniform dark brown or mid-brown in colour with lighter sides. The belly is generally pale brown or white blotched with black or brown in colour. Younger snakes can be distinguished by the yellowish mark on the back of the head (see picture). The eyes are small and dark, and do not have a vertical pupil.
This snake has only been recorded from Viti Levu from the Wainikoroiluva Valley, the Sigatoka Valley, Naitasiri and the Monasavu area. It may be more widespread throughout the Fiji group, but because of its fossorial and elusive nature, this cannot be confirmed. Within Viti Levu, the burrowing snake has been found within the province of Namosi.
Read full description here: Fiji Endangered Species
Photo: Paddy Ryan. A juvenile Fiji Burrowing snake, with the distinguishing yellow mark on the back of the head.
The Fiji burrowing snake is very distinct from the more widely known Pacific Boa, Candoia bibroni.
The Fiji burrowing snake is much smaller, growing up to a maximum snout-vent length of 30 cm. It has a small head which is indistinct from the neck, a short tail, and smooth body scales. The body is a uniform dark brown or mid-brown in colour with lighter sides. The belly is generally pale brown or white blotched with black or brown in colour. Younger snakes can be distinguished by the yellowish mark on the back of the head (see picture). The eyes are small and dark, and do not have a vertical pupil.
This snake has only been recorded from Viti Levu from the Wainikoroiluva Valley, the Sigatoka Valley, Naitasiri and the Monasavu area. It may be more widespread throughout the Fiji group, but because of its fossorial and elusive nature, this cannot be confirmed. Within Viti Levu, the burrowing snake has been found within the province of Namosi.
Read full description here: Fiji Endangered Species
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