Javan Keelback (Fowlea melanzosta) is a semi-aquatic snake commonly found in lowland wetlands, rice fields, streams, and ponds across Java and nearby islands. It has a robust body with strongly keeled scales, giving it a rough texture. The coloration typically includes brown to olive tones with darker crossbands or spots, and a lighter underside. This species is active both day and night, feeding primarily on frogs, fish, and small aquatic animals.
Javan Keelback
Fowlea melanzosta
🐍 Non-venomous
Description
Venomous?
Non-venomous. It subdues its prey through quick strikes and constriction rather than venom.
A Danger to Humans?
Not aggressive. The Javan Keelback usually flees when disturbed. If cornered, it may flatten its body and emit a foul odor as a defense mechanism, but it poses no real danger to humans.
Population Size
Stable
Life Span
-
WEIGHT
30.5 g
LENGTH
Total length 80 cm,
Ca
Carnivore
Di
Diurnal
No
Nocturnal
Se
Semiaquatic
Classification
KINGDOM
:
Animalia
PHYLUM
:
Chordata
CLASS
:
Reptilia
ORDER
:
Squamata
FAMILY
:
Natricidae
GENUS
:
Fowlea
SPECIES
:
Fowlea melanzosta
Distribution
Snake found in various wetland habitats, including in rice fields.
Geography
Continent : Asia
Country : The species is considered to be common in Java, and recent surveys indicate that it is also common in Bali
Habits and Lifestyle
Fowlea melanzosta is a semiaquatic snake found in various wetland habitats, including in rice fields. mainly active during the day or diurnal, but can also be active at night (nocturnal), sometimes sleeping in low vegetation. when threatened, flattens the neck and front of the body (possibly imitating a cobra) and may bite viciously. also performs caudal autotomy and feigning death.
Lifestyle
Semiaquatic
Biome
Wetlands
Climate Zone
Tropical
Diet and Nutrition
Fowlea melanzosta is a carnivorous species. Its main food is frogs (especially ranid) and fish.
Diet : Carnivora
Mating Habits
These snakes reproduce by laying eggs (ovipar)
Reproduction session : –
Incubation periods: –
Independent age : at birth
Baby name : –
Baby carrying :
Population
Population status : Least Concern (LC)
NE
DD
LC
NT
VU
EN
CR
EW
EX
Population threats
The main potential threat to this adaptable and largely human-associated snake is overharvesting for its skin. However, no work has been conducted to estimate the effects of harvests on the wild population, and so it is unclear whether the species is presently subject to overexploitation.
Population number
This common and adaptable snake is widespread on the large island of Java (which has an area of over 128,000 km2), and is listed as Least Concern due to its relatively wide range, apparently large population and the lack of major threats. The impact of exploitation on this snake requires further study, but there is presently no indication that it is declining sufficiently rapidly to warrant listing in a more threatened category.
PHOTO GALLERY
Reference
- Vogel, G. 2012. Xenochrophis melanozostus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012: e.T191986A2024217
- Somaweera, R. 2017. A Naturalist’s Guide To The Reptiles and Amphibians of Bali. John Beaufoy Publishing, Oxford, England.