Boie’s Kukri Snake (Oligodon bitorquatus) is a small to medium-sized colubrid snake native to Southeast Asia, including parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It is named for the kukri-shaped (curved) rear teeth it uses to slice open eggs, its preferred food source. The snake has a slender body with smooth scales, a brown or olive coloration, and distinct dark bands or collars near the neck region. It is mostly nocturnal and terrestrial, often found in forested areas, plantations, or near human settlements.
Boie’s Kukri Snake
Oligodon bitorquatus
⚠️ Mildly venomous
Description
Venomous?
Mildly venomous. Possesses rear fangs with mild venom used to subdue small prey such as lizards and eggs, but it poses no significant danger to humans.
A Danger to Humans?
Generally non-aggressive. When threatened, it may flatten its body or release a foul odor but rarely attempts to bite. Its venom is not harmful to humans.
Population Size
Stable
Life Span
-
WEIGHT
30.5 g
LENGTH
Average total length 45 cm
No
Nocturnal
Te
Terrestrial
Classification
KINGDOM
:
Animalia
PHYLUM
:
Chordata
CLASS
:
Reptilia
ORDER
:
Squamata
FAMILY
:
Colubridae
GENUS
:
Oligodon
SPECIES
:
Oligodon bitorquatus
Distribution
Oligodon bitorquatus inhabits mountain forests at an altitude of 1200 to 1524 m asl.
Geography
Continent : Asia
Country : Endemic to Indonesia, covering the regions of Java, Sumatra and Sumbawa
Habits and Lifestyle
This snake species is nocturnal and lives more on the ground.
Lifestyle
Terrestrial
Biome
Mountain forest
Climate Zone
Tropical
Diet and Nutrition
There is no information regarding the diet and prey preferred by this species
Diet : Unknown
Mating Habits
This snake is an oviparous species that reproduces by laying eggs, the female produces 3 eggs
Reproduction session : –
Incubation periods: –
Independent age : at birth
Baby name : –
Baby carrying : 3 eggs
Population
Population status : Least Concern (LC)
NE
DD
LC
NT
VU
EN
CR
EW
EX
Population threats
There are no major threats to this species.
Population number
Oligodon bitorquatus is assessed as Least Concern as it is widely distributed in Java and able to tolerate habitat disturbance
PHOTO GALLERY
Reference
- Iskandar, D., Jenkins, H., Auliya, M., Inger, R.F. & Lilley, R. 2012. Oligodon bitorquatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species2012: e.T192032A2030912
- Oligodon bitorquatus
- Somaweera, R. 2017. A Naturalist’s Guide To The Reptiles and Amphibians of Bali. John Beaufoy Publishing, Oxford, England.