The Eight-striped Kukri Snake (Oligodon octolineatus) is a small to medium-sized colubrid found in parts of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It is recognized by the eight distinct longitudinal stripes running along its body and its smooth, glossy scales. This nocturnal and terrestrial species often inhabits forests, gardens, and rural areas. Like other kukri snakes, it has curved rear teeth resembling a kukri knife, used to slice open reptile eggs, its primary diet.
Eight-striped Kukri Snake
Oligodon octolineatus
⚠️ Mildly venomous
Description
Venomous?
Mildly venomous. It possesses rear fangs and mild venom intended for subduing small prey, but it is not dangerous to humans.
A Danger to Humans?
Generally non-aggressive. When threatened, it may attempt to bite, but its venom and bite are harmless to humans.
Population Size
Stable
Life Span
-
WEIGHT
30.5 g
LENGTH
500 mm – 700 mm
Ca
Carnivore
Di
Diurnal
Te
Terrestrial
Classification
KINGDOM
:
Animalia
PHYLUM
:
Chordata
CLASS
:
Reptilia
ORDER
:
Squamata
FAMILY
:
Colubridae
GENUS
:
Oligodon
SPECIES
:
Oligodon octolineatus
Distribution
Eight-striped Kukri Snake live on agricultural land near sea level of the Buleleng Regency, Bali. Elsewhere recorded in various forests and gardens, mainly at low elevations, but up to 1000 m asl.
Geography
Continents : Asia
Country : Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, the Philippines, Sumatra, Java, Bali and Sulawesi
Habits and Lifestyle
Eight-striped Kukri Snake is a diurnal spesies, but many also show strong crepuscular habits. Largely terrestrial, but also climbs. Inhabits lowland forests , as wll as fringe areas of scrub and forest close to human habitats
Lifestyle
Terrestrial
Biome
Forest and Gardens
Climate Zone
Tropical
Diet and Nutrition
The snake is carnivore spesies, eat on frogs, lizards, other snakes and eggs of frogs, reptile and birds
Diet : Carnivora
Mating Habits
This snake reproduces by laying eggs. Females lay up to 5 eggs
Reproduction session : –
Incubation periods : –
Independent age : at birth
Baby name : –
Baby carrying : up to 5 eggs
Population
Population status : Least Concern (LC)
NE
DD
LC
NT
VU
EN
CR
EW
EX
Population threats
There are no known major threats to this species.
Population number
Eight-striped Kukri Snake is listed as Least Concern because it has a wide distribution, it is present in several protected areas throughout its range, and there are no major threats affecting it.
PHOTO GALLERY
Reference
- Eight-striped Kukri Snake on The IUCN Red List site
- Somaweera, R. 2017. A Naturalist’s Guide To The Reptiles and Amphibians of Bali. John Beaufoy Publishing, Oxford, England.
- McKay, J.L. 2006. Reptil and Amphibi di Bali. Krieger Publishing Company, Florida, USA.