Big-eyed snake - a description where it dwells, features

The content of the article

1 Appearance
2 Spread
3 Breeding method
4 Nutrition
5 The reasons for the reduction in the number of big-eyed snake
6 How to keep a snake in captivity
7 Video: Big-Eyed Snake (Ptyas mucosa)

The big-eyed poloz is one of the representatives of the family of aperile, which does not include poisonous relatives. These snakes are slim and crawl well on the surface of the earth, overcoming any obstacles, move well along the branches of trees and swim at least skillfully. There are also representatives who can spend their entire life cycle underground, only occasionally leaving their shelter.

Appearance

This type of snake is different, as the name implies, with very large and expressive black eyes. In size, individual individuals living in areas of India reach three meters, the largest instance found was a snake three and a half meters long. However, usually, runners reach sizes of 2 meters.

The color can be different and vary from yellow to brownish-dark, up to black.It depends on the age and habitat of certain representatives of the big-eyed runners. Young usually lighter, with gray scales.

Spread

The genus of snakes contains three species, which are common in south and southeast Asia. The fauna of Russia is represented by only one subspecies, which is endemic. It can be found in the southern regions of Turkmenistan. In general, the habitat of the big-eyed runner is quite wide. It is found both in the southern regions of southeast Asia and in the southern territories of Russia.

Despite the fact that this species of snakes is desert and this is their main habitat, they are very fond of water, so the habitats are associated with it. A skid can be found on the bank of a river or lake, in a wetland, in an oasis, or on the site of an irrigation canal. In addition, the snakes have excellent skills for climbing trees and swimming, which saves them from the heat of the day.

Breeding method

Big-eyed snakes are egg-laying animals, in which the breeding process begins on the border of spring and summer. The female lays eggs in the amount of from 7 to 17, the length of which is about two centimeters.Maturation, also called the incubation period, occurs in 10 weeks. After the expiration of the named term, the offspring does not appear larger than 45 cm in size. In the first months of life, the young grow very intensively and before wintering their size may increase by one and a half times. And a year after birth, they reach 90 cm in length.

Interestingly, the Indian "same age" runner at the same time can be up to 120-130 cm long, despite the fact that the size of newborn individuals do not have significant differences.

Nutrition

Runners are considered carnivorous representatives of the animal kingdom and amphibians, in particular, the lake frog, are among their favorite delicacies. Also, in the absence of amphibians, they are not averse to eat and rats, lizards, smaller snakes and small birds. Runners swallow prey alive and swallow.

In addition, as among the majority of reptiles, runners have a manifestation of cannibalism in eating their newborn offspring. There are cases when the strongest snake eats the weaker one, if they have chosen the same animal as the target of the hunt and grabbed it at the same time.

The reasons for the reduction in the number of big-eyed snake

One of the main reasons for which there is a decrease in the number of runner is human economic activity associated with the development of river valleys. Such actions lead to a change in the landscape of the floodplain and a decrease in wetlands. Also the number of these snakes is harmed by regular burning of reed beds and other grass communities.

It did not remain without consequences and catching of snakes by snake lovers and herpetological scientists. However, now such activity is monitored and requires special permission. But at this stage it is difficult to fully control this process.

Also, due to the fact that big-headed snakes often visit nearby settlements, many individuals are killed by local residents, fearing for life and health. Although this type is absolutely safe for humans. It is non-conflict and non-toxic. The biggest trouble that runners can deliver the villagers - the attack on poultry.

How to keep a snake in captivity

There are no special rules for the care of this species, it is necessary to follow only the basic recommendations for the maintenance of snakes:

Keep standing in a cage or in a cage.
The size of the terrarium should allow the snake to move freely, and also correspond to the size of the snake itself.
There must be a shelter, because the snake is shy enough.
It is necessary that there was a heating in one place of the terrarium - so that the individual could choose between the usual temperature and the heated angle.
The temperature should correspond to the following indicators: 26-28 ° C in the warmest point and 19-21 ° C in the opposite corner.

In addition, several branches can be placed in the terrarium to allow animals to climb, as well as to use ultraviolet lamps in order to improve the condition of the snake. You can feed them with frogs, lizards or mice.