Gold-ringed Cat Snake

Boiga dendrophila

⚠️ Mildly venomous

Description

The Gold-ringed Cat Snake (Boiga dendrophila), also known as the Mangrove Cat Snake, is a large and striking arboreal snake recognized by its glossy black body adorned with bright yellow or gold bands. It is primarily nocturnal and often found in mangrove forests, lowland rainforests, and near water sources across Southeast Asia. This species can grow over 2 meters in length and is an agile climber, spending much of its time in trees hunting birds, lizards, and small mammals.

Venomous?

Yes, mildly venomous. It possesses rear fangs and venom that is effective on its prey but rarely dangerous to humans. Bites may cause localized swelling and pain.

A Danger to Humans?

Generally not aggressive, but can be defensive and strike readily when cornered or handled. Its impressive threat display includes opening its mouth wide to expose the white interior.

Population Size

Stable

Life Span

-

WEIGHT​

30.5 g

LENGTH

250 cm

Ar

Arboreal

Ca

Carnivore

No

Nocturnal

Classification

KINGDOM

:

Animalia

PHYLUM

:

Chordata

CLASS

:

Reptilia

ORDER

:

Squamata

FAMILY

:

Colubridae

GENUS

:

Boiga

SPECIES

:

Boiga dendrophila

Distribution

The main habitat of this snake is moist forest or forests near rivers, up to a height of 610 meters DPL. However, this snake is most often found in mangrove forests in coastal areas or river estuaries.

Geography

Continent : Asia

Country : Boiga dendrophila is widespread from Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia (Sumatra, Riau Islands, Bangka-Belitung, Java, Bali, Kalimantan and Sulawesi), as well as parts of the Philippines.

Habits and Lifestyle

Boiga dendrophila is active at night and usually operates in trees. This snake very rarely descends to the ground, usually only to hunt for food. This snake is a snake that gets angry easily when disturbed.

Lifestyle

Arboreal

Biome

Moist forest

Climate Zone

Tropical

Diet and Nutrition

Types of carnivorous animals, their main food is frogs / toads, lizards, small birds, mice, small bats, and sometimes other snakes that are smaller in size.

Diet : Carnivora

Mating Habits

These snakes reproduce by laying eggs (ovipar). The number of eggs produced is 4 to 15 eggs. The length of the newly hatched snake is about 35 to 43 cm.

Reproduction session : –

Incubation periods: –

Independent age : at birth

Baby name : –

Baby carrying : 4 – 15 eggs

PHOTO GALLERY

Reference

  1. Boiga dendrophila on Wikipedia article
  2. Somaweera, R. 2017. A Naturalist’s Guide To The Reptiles and Amphibians of Bali. John Beaufoy Publishing, Oxford, England.