Appearance
Adults usually grow to 6.5 feet in length with the maximum reported to be 8 foot, 6 inches . Males usually have longer flatter tails, while females tend to be larger overall.The color pattern consists of a gray-brown ground color with darker patches, forming an effective camouflage against the leaf litter of the forest floor of their native habitat.
Status
This species is classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List for the following criteria: A1cd . This means that a population reduction of at least 20% has been observed, estimated, inferred or suspected over the last 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer, based on a decline in area of occupancy, extent of occurrence and/or quality of habitat, and based on actual or potential levels of exploitation. Year assessed: 1996.Also listed as CITES Appendix I, which means that it is threatened with extinction and CITES prohibits international trade except when the purpose of the import is not commercial, for example for scientific research.
Threatened by deforestation and human persecution. In some areas it is feared and often killed on sight.
Habitat
Along the western coast and southwestern regions of Madagascar, it is found in a semi-arid habitat that gets fairly low amounts of precipitation.Reproduction
Sexual maturity is within 3 to 5 years of age. Males have anal spurs, which are used in courtship.Their mating season is March through May and the young are born some 6 to 8 months later. Ovoviviparous, females give birth to a litters of 6-28. Neonates are 12-18 inches long.
Food
Their diet consists of small animals, such as birds, lizards, and small mammals. They are also known to prey on other snakes.References:
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