Schokar's Bronzeback

  

Scientific Name: Dendrelaphis schokari

Family: Colubridae

Common Name(s): Schokar's Bronzeback, Schokar's Tree Snake

Overview:

Schokar's Bronzeback (Dendrelaphis schokari) is an elegant, non-venomous tree snake that is found primarily in the tropical forests of South Asia. Named after its striking bronzed coloration, this species is a slender, agile snake known for its arboreal (tree-dwelling) habits. It is often seen gliding through the foliage in search of prey, where its camouflage allows it to remain hidden from predators and potential prey alike. Schokar's Bronzeback is a relatively rare species, making it a fascinating find for snake enthusiasts and researchers.

Physical Description:

• Size: Schokar's Bronzeback is a medium-sized snake, typically measuring between 1.2 to 1.5 meters (4 to 5 feet) in length.
• Coloration: This species is renowned for its distinctive coloration. Its body is typically olive-green or brown, with a subtle bronze or copper sheen on the back, which gives it its common name. The sides of the snake often have lighter, yellowish or cream-colored markings, and its belly is pale or white.
• Head: The head is slightly flattened, with large, round eyes that are well adapted for an arboreal lifestyle. Its snout is pointed, allowing it to move easily through tree branches and undergrowth.
• Tail: The tail is long and slender, aiding in balance and climbing, a key feature for a species that spends much of its time in the trees.

Habitat and Distribution:

• Geographical Range: Schokar's Bronzeback is found in various parts of South Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and parts of Myanmar. It thrives in tropical and subtropical forests.
• Habitat: As an arboreal species, Schokar's Bronzeback prefers dense, forested environments where it can find plenty of trees to climb and foliage to hide in. It is commonly found in rainforests and woodlands, where its camouflage helps it blend into its surroundings.

Behavior and Diet:

• Arboreal Lifestyle: Schokar's Bronzeback is a primarily tree-dwelling (arboreal) snake, spending much of its life in the upper canopy of forests. It is an agile climber and can move swiftly through trees, using its tail for balance and support.
• Diet: This species is carnivorous and primarily feeds on small vertebrates, including lizards, birds, and frogs. Schokar's Bronzeback is known for its ability to hunt while hanging from branches, using its quick strikes to capture prey. It may also consume smaller snakes, making it an opportunistic predator.

Reproduction:

• Reproductive Mode: Schokar's Bronzeback is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs rather than giving birth to live young. Females lay clutches of eggs in hidden locations, often in tree hollows or under leaf litter. The eggs incubate for several weeks before hatching into small, fully formed juveniles that are capable of climbing and hunting immediately.

Conservation Status:

• Threats: While not currently listed as endangered, Schokar's Bronzeback faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and human encroachment. As an arboreal species, it is highly dependent on the preservation of tropical forest habitats.
• Conservation Efforts: Protecting and conserving the tropical rainforests of South Asia is vital for the survival of Schokar's Bronzeback. Efforts to reduce habitat destruction and preserve forest ecosystems play an essential role in maintaining the populations of this beautiful and unique species.

Interesting Facts:

• Bronzed Appearance: The snake's distinct bronzed coloration not only provides camouflage in its natural environment but also serves as a visual deterrent to some predators, making it harder to spot.
• Arboreal Hunter: Schokar's Bronzeback is a skilled climber and uses its speed and agility to hunt from tree branches, making it one of the more acrobatic snakes in the region.
• Non-Venomous: Despite its fearsome hunting abilities, Schokar's Bronzeback is non-venomous and poses no danger to humans. It relies on its speed and agility to capture and subdue prey rather than venom.

How to Identify Müller’s Shieldtail:

• Look for a slender, medium-sized snake with an olive-green or brown body and a distinctive bronze sheen along the back.
• The snake’s pale underbelly and lighter markings along the sides are also key identification features.
• Schokar's Bronzeback is typically seen in trees, moving quickly among branches or in dense foliage. It may also be found basking in the sun on higher branches in its forest habitat.