ONE OF THREE ENDEMIC SNAKES IN CYPRUS
A NON-VENOMOUS SKILLED CLIMBER
The Cyprus Whip Snake is one of three endemic snakes in Cyprus. This graceful and often elegant specimen typically grows up to 1.5 metres in length and is known to move quickly when it has to. The Cyprus Whip Snake was discovered quite recently as it was often mistaken for juvenile Black Whip Snakes, which have similar markings. The Cyprus Whip Snake, like its contemporary gets its name from the fact that it sometimes uses its long muscular tale to immobilise threats by whipping them at speed. The snake is typically sandy brown in colour and this darkens as the snake matures. The snake has large eyes and a pointed snout and it has a long agile tail, which gives its whip-like appearance. Surprisingly, this non-venomous snake is a very skilled climber and it can traverse vertical walls and trees very easily.
A RARE SIGHTING
Sightings of the Cyprus Whip Snake have become rare, as they generally stay away from human activity. The snake prefers to remain in its natural habitat in rural areas in the Troodos Mountains when it can, but has been known to venture into the Paphos Forest and some villages situated in the mountains. Sightings of the snake sometimes peak during its breeding season in May as boisterous males tend to travel further afield seeking females. Cyprus Whip Snakes are not very sociable and after mating, the male and female separate and likely never cross paths again. In addition to this, females usually lay their eggs in burrows, which they abandon almost immediately leaving their eggs to develop and hatch on their own. The young snakes after hatching then emerge fully formed and capable of fending for themselves.
STEALTH HUNTERS
The snake is usually active during the day and prefers to remain near water against rocky ground or shrubs and vegetation. As the snake is an avid climber, it is also found in high tree lines where it lies in wait for prey. A stealth hunter, it uses its speed and agility to catch various prey, which includes small mammals, birds, lizards, and insects. It often climbs trees to attack bird’s nests and the snake is also known as ‘The Rat Catcher’ because of its effectiveness at hunting down various rodents. The Cyprus Whip Snake also hunts venomous snakes, such as the Blunt Nosed Viper and is directly attributed to controlling the numbers of these snakes in this way. The Cyprus Whip Snake is not considered dangerous to humans, but is known for its defensive behaviour and will attack if it is threatened or provoked. When cornered it will inflate its body, and strike repeatedly whipping its tail in an attempt to deter potential threats.
CONSERVATION
The Cyprus Whip snake is a protected species and habitat loss as well as road mortality are the two main factors blamed for its declining numbers. The general public are also unaware that this particular snake poses no threat and many have been killed by farmers over the years. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these snakes and their habitat with a view to ensure they survive in the wild. The Cyprus Whip Snake, like many snake species, plays a crucial role in the eco-system on the island and as kt is a hunter of other snakes, it generally controls the number of blunt nosed vipers on the island. Increased sightings of Blunt Nosed Vipers in general has highlighted the decline of the Cyprus Whip Snake and it is hoped that the downward trend in numbers of the Cyprus Whip Snake are reversed. Conservationists hope to ensure the long-term survival of this fascinating and ecologically important snake species by offering a number of conservation initiatives, which have so far yielded positive results. Some of these initiatives have  included habitat restoration and have gone on to create protected areas for the Cyprus Whip Snake. Public awareness campaigns and educational programs have also taken place, teaching people that these particular snakes pose them no threat and that they are needed to control the Blunt Nosed Viper numbers on the island.Â
