| Citation |
Wogan, G., Auliya, M., Inger, R.F. & Nguyen, T.Q. 2012. Xenopeltis unicolor. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012: e.T178481A1536060. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T178481A1536060.en. Downloaded on 16 August 2020. |
Description |
JUSTIFICATION
Xenopeltis unicolor has been assessed as Least Concern owing to its wide distribution and tolerance of a broad range of habitats, including areas subject to human disturbance. However, this species is harvested for both the pet and skin trade and so monitoring of harvest rates should be carried out to to make sure no significant population declines result from this activity.
RANGE DESCRIPTION
This species is distributed widely throughout Southeast Asia, from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Myanmar through southern China to the Philippines. In the Philippines, it has been recorded from the island of Palawan (including the localities Iwahig and Puerto Princessa) and from the Sulu Archipelago (including the islands of Tawi-Tawi, Sanga-Sanga and Bongao). It occurs southwards to Malaysia and Indonesia, where it is found on Sulawesi and the other islands of the Greater Sundas, but not the Lesser Sundas. It occurs from sea level to 1,300 m above sea level. It has also been recorded from eastern China in Yunnan and Guangdong provinces.
DESCRIPTION
It is generally a common species. It is described as very common in Viet Nam (Orlov 2000), and is also common in Myanmar.
HABITAT AND ECOLOGY
This lowland snake inhabits forests, marshes and scrublands. The species can be found in both disturbed and undisturbed areas, including urban environments, rice paddy fields and other agricultural areas as well as rainforest. These snakes are most regularly encountered in disturbed areas, such as gardens adjacent to secondary forest. In Viet Nam the snake is cosmopolitan between 100 to 2,000 m asl., but appears to prefer forested mountain valleys, with rocky areas close to streams. Snakes spend most of their time underground and only emerges at night or during heavy rain in the wet season. It feeds primarily on amphibians, snakes, lizards, small mammals and ground dwelling birds (Orlov 2000).
THREATS
Stuart (2004) reported that this snake is traded in relatively large numbers. This species is harvested from the wild for both the pet and skin trade. However, this is not considered a major threat due to the large distribution of this species, the localised nature of exploitation and its abundance even in areas, such as Viet Nam, where it is heavily exploited. No other major threats appear to exist to this very adaptable species.
USE AND TRADE
This species is widely traded, both in the pet and the skin trade (Stuart 2004); the species is harvested for its skin in Java (Auliya 2010). Around U Minh Thong National Park in Viet Nam, approximately 875 individuals were seen on sale between 20th October and 20th November 2000 at local reptile trade shops (Smith 2004).
CONSERVATION ACTIONS
There are no known species-specific conservation measures in place, although it is found in protected areas in Viet Nam and Myanmar, and presumably throughout its range. In Thailand the species is protected by law. Research into population trends is needed to clarify that the level at which this species is harvested is sustainable. |
