THE MOST ENCOUNTERED SNAKE IN CYPRUS
TTHE LARGEST SNAKE IN CYPRUS
The Large Whip Snake (Coluber Jugularis) is the most commonly encountered snake across the island. Commonly growing to between 2 and 3 metres in length, this snake is also the largest. Moving quickly when necessary, this non-venomous skilled climber can traverse vertical walls and trees very easily and rather quickly.
A WHIP-LIKE APPEARANCE
This snake gets its name from the shape of its long, agile tail, which gives the snake its whip-like appearance. Cast in light sandy brown with dark markings, young Large Whip Snakes are a complete contrast to their adult counterparts, who sport a shiny black that often tints blue in the sunlight. Although this snake is common around the eastern Mediterranean, the Cypriot Large Whip Snake, which is a subspecies, is distinguishable by its large eyes, pointed snout, and a dominant red mark on its throat.
AGGRESSIVE WHEN THREATENED
Although these snakes prefer to remain in their natural habitat, which is the rural areas around the Troodos Mountains, the snake has been known to venture into the Paphos Forest and into some of the villages situated in this area. Unlike other snakes, the Large Whip Snake is known to be aggressive when threatened, often standing its ground rather than slithering away.
NOT CONSIDERED DANGEROUS
Although this snake is not considered dangerous to humans, it will attack if it is threatened or provoked. This snake has been known to inflate its body and then strike repeatedly, whipping its tail in an attempt to deter any potential threats when cornered.
A BRIEF ENCOUNTER
Sightings of the snake usually peak during its breeding season throughout the month of May. This occurs because several boisterous males tend to travel further seeking females. The snake’s encounter during this period is brief, and after they separate, they likely never cross paths again. Females usually lay their eggs in burrows and then abandon them almost immediately. The young snakes, after hatching, then emerge fully formed and capable of fending for themselves.
STEALTH HUNTERS
Largely active during the day, the Large Whip Snake uses its speed and agility to great effect. Although it is known in some circles as ‘The Rat Catcher’, it also effectively hunts other snakes, most rodents, lizards, birds, and several large insects using stealth and constriction. As well as effectively helping to control the rat and mouse populations on the island, this snake is also a very effective hunter of the venomous BLUNT-NOSED VIPER, which it also hunts as prey. It prefers to remain near shrubs and vegetation around water because of this.
AN AVID CLIMBER
The Large Whip Snake is often found in high tree lines in search of prey. In light of this, the avid climber, which often favours trees in rocky landscapes near sources of water, is known to attack most birds and their nests.
A PROTECTED SPECIES
Although protected, the numbers of this snake are still falling at a regular rate. The two main factors blamed for the snake’s decline are habitat loss and road mortality. In addition to this, farmers often kill several of them every year. Conservationists hope to ensure the long-term survival of this fascinating and ecologically important snake with a series of initiatives.
CONSERVATION
Initiatives that aim to protect the snake and its natural habitat are now in place. These include several protected areas that have been put in place to ensure a safe environment for the snake. Public awareness campaigns and educational programs are in place. These tell people on a regular basis that these particular snakes pose no threat and that they control the BLUNT-NOSED VIPER population on the island.
