Timeline Photos

NATIVE SINGAPORE WILDLIFE: ORIENTAL WHIP SNAKE

Snakes have often been portrayed very badly in the media and in fiction. Many people approach snakes thinking that they are all out to harm you and that all snakes are venomous. This is not true! There are many snakes that are non- venomous. And those that are venomous rarely hurt humans. It takes a lot of resources to produce venom, therefore venomous snakes would rather save their venom for hunting their prey than using it on humans. Many of them would prefer to move away than to use their venom for self-defence.

Some snakes, such as the oriental whip snake, are mildly venomous. The toxins in the venom do not affect humans in any way.

Every species of snake is unique and special, and that includes our native oriental whip snake. They have a slender body with a yellow line on the flank. They are relatively common in areas with a healthy amount of bushes and trees. However, they are not that easy to spot as they are commonly mistaken as green vines or branches. A unique characteristic of the oriental whip snake is its long pointed snout and horizontal eye pupil. Their morphology gives them a great field of view and the ability to differentiate different shapes and movements. These are some of the characteristics that help them become successful predators.

As an arboreal snake species, this snakes have long (up to � of their body length) prehensile tails to help them adapt to their environment. The prehensile tail allows them to hang upside- down from a tree, and to swing like a tree branch when the wind blows.

The oriental whip snake is viviparous, meaning it gives birth to live young. While adults are fluorescent green, their young are yellowish brown. Newly-born snakes are about 24cm in length.

As mentioned, these snakes have weak venom that is used for hunting lizards, frogs and birds. They are opisthoglyphous, meaning they have enlarged teeth located in the rear of the upper jaw. As ambushers, they strike at the right time, take a huge bite of their predator and let the venom do its job.

Here at ACRES, we challenge you to look out for Singapore�s native animals! Watch them for a distance to have a better understanding of their daily lives. Never feed an animal or approach them, especially if you are unsure of that they are.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/ACRESasia/photos/a.223077136522.136..

Tweet

ACRES

ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) is a pioneering Singapore-based charity and Institution of Public Character, founded by Singaporeans in 2001 with the aim of promoting animal welfare.

ACRES has six focus areas: Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Wildlife Crime Investigation, Zoo Animal Welfare, Humane Education, Community Outreach and Promoting Cruelty-Free Living.

More Articles   |   Website