Japanese Rat Snakeアオダイショウ
Elaphe climacophoraLC— Least Concern
The Japanese rat snake is a large, non-venomous colubrid endemic to Japan, ranging across the archipelago except the far southwest. Semi-arboreal and mostly diurnal, it preys on rodents, frogs, lizards, and birds, using keeled belly scales to climb tree trunks in pursuit of nests and eggs. A striking albino population near Iwakuni has been protected as a national monument since 1924, and the species remains one of the most familiar snakes across rural and suburban Japan.
Japanese Rat Snake (reference photo)
Species Data
Did You Know?
- Strong keeled ridges along the edges of its belly scales let it hook onto tree bark, allowing this snake to climb straight up vertical trunks. Source
- A population of albino individuals near Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture has been protected as a national monument, the "White Snakes of Iwakuni," since 1924. Source
- Japanese rat snakes mate in May and June, then lay clutches of roughly 4 to 17 eggs, each about 7 cm long, in July and August. Source
Where to See This Species
3 facilities · 0 individuals
ノースサファリサッポロ (Nosusafarisapporo)Hokkaido
ノースサファリサッポロのWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source
東京都恩賜上野動物園 (Toukyoutoonshiueno Doubutsuen)TokyoOpened in 1882
東京都恩賜上野動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical GardensAichiOpened in 1937
名古屋市東山動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source
Source links to official sites, official YouTube channels, and news aggregators such as Zoo Ring. Visit the publisher for the full item.
Conservation Story
Conservation Status
IUCNではLC。身近な種ですが、地域の生息環境を保つことが大切です。
Habitat
森林、農地、人家周辺などの陸上環境。
Threats
- 生息環境の改変
- 交通事故
- 人為的な捕獲
Conservation & Breeding Efforts
- 身近な生物を学ぶ展示
- 生息環境への理解を広げる教育
Sources
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FAQ
- Is the Japanese rat snake venomous?
- No. It is a non-venomous colubrid that kills prey by constriction or simply overpowering and swallowing it whole. Source
- How does it climb trees so well?
- Keeled ridges along both edges of its belly scales act like hooks, letting it grip bark and climb straight up vertical tree trunks in search of bird nests and eggs. Source
- Why is there a white version of this snake in Japan?
- A naturally occurring albino population near Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, has been protected by law since 1924 as a national monument known as the "White Snakes of Iwakuni." Source
Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org