Dog-toothed Cat Snake

Boiga cynodon

⚠️ Mildly venomous

Description

The Dog-toothed Cat Snake (Boiga cynodon) is a large, slender, and semi-arboreal snake found throughout Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It is notable for its large eyes, cat-like pupils, and distinctive pattern of irregular brown or reddish bands along a lighter background. Adults can reach lengths exceeding 2 meters. This species is primarily nocturnal and feeds on birds, small mammals, and lizards.

Venomous?

Yes, mildly venomous. It possesses rear fangs and venom used mainly for subduing prey. Its venom is not considered dangerous to humans.

A Danger to Humans?

Generally not aggressive, but it may strike repeatedly if threatened or cornered. Bites can cause mild swelling or irritation but are not medically significant.

Population Size

Stable

Life Span

-

WEIGHT​

30.5 g

LENGTH

Total length 1,7 m, maksimum 2,77 m

Ar

Arboreal

Ca

Carnivore

No

Nocturnal

Classification

KINGDOM

:

Animalia

PHYLUM

:

Chordata

CLASS

:

Reptilia

ORDER

:

Squamata

FAMILY

:

Colubridae

GENUS

:

Boiga

SPECIES

:

Boiga cynodon

Distribution

Boiga cynodon lives in various forests, agricultural lands, and occasionally urban areas, to at least 1300 m asl.

Geography

Continents : Asia

Country : India (Assam), Southeast Asia, Kalimantan, Philippines, and Indonesia from Sumatra to Flores

Habits and Lifestyle

Dog-toothed Cat Snake is a spesies arboreal and occurs in wide range of habitats, including primary and secondary forests, cultivated places, and even home gardens and urban areas. Found on lower vegetation as well as in the canopy. Sometimes congregates in cave systems.

Lifestyle

Arboreal

Biome

Forest, Shrubland, Artificial/Terrestrial

Climate Zone

Tropical

Diet and Nutrition

The spesies feeds mostly on birds, and birds eggs, but may also take amphibians, reptiles and mammals

Diet : Carnivora

Mating Habits

This snake is a species that reproduces oviparously. The female produces 1 – 23 eggs

Reproduction session : –

Incubation periods : –

Independent age : at birth

Baby name : –

Baby carrying : 1 – 23 eggs

Population

Population status : Least Concern (LC)

NE

DD

LC

NT

VU

EN

CR

EW

EX

Population threats​

Although forests are under pressure throughout its range, there are no major threats to this widespread and adaptable species.

Population number​

Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, it occurs in a number of protected areas, has a tolerance of a degree of habitat modification, and because it occurs as an apparently stable population and appears to be subject to no major threats.

PHOTO GALLERY

Reference

  1. Boiga cynodon on The IUCN Red List site
  2. Somaweera, R. 2017. A Naturalist’s Guide To The Reptiles and Amphibians of Bali. John Beaufoy Publishing, Oxford, England.
  3. McKay, J.L. 2006. Reptil and Amphibi di Bali. Krieger Publishing Company, Florida, USA.