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Red-tailed Green Rat Snake

Gonyosoma oxycephalum

Quick Facts

Scientific name: Gonyosoma oxycephalum
Class: Reptile
Weight: 14 to 28 ounces
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan in the wild: 15 years
Lifespan in professional care: 15 to 20 years
Conservation status: Least concern
Number of eggs: 3 to 8 eggs at a time

About

I LIVE IN ASIA

Red-tailed green rat snakes are native to southeast Asia. They inhabit tropical rainforests, shrublands, and rural gardens in countries like Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia.


I AM A CARNIVORE

Red-tailed green rat snakes will hide amongst tree branches and wait for birds, lizards, and bats to pass by to catch mid-air.


RED-TAILED GREEN RAT SNAKES ARE SOLITARY

Like many other reptilian species, red-tailed green rat snakes are a very solitary species. Very little parental care is offered to newly-hatched young.


ALWAYS ON THE DEFENSE

Red-tailed rat snakes don’t usually strike first. They puff up their bodies, mimicking venomous pit vipers that live nearby. They turn sideways to show how big they are to encourage predators to leave. If predators don’t leave, these snakes will bite. They can strike from nearly any position, even if their heads are pointed away from predators.


HELPING THE RED-TAILED GREEN RAT SNAKE IN THE WILD

By visiting the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, you are supporting local, regional, and global conservation. A portion of every ticket sold goes towards conservation of wildlife and wild places. Each year, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo donates over $250,000 to our conservation partners


I AM IMPORTANT TO MY ECOSYSTEM

As a carnivorous species, red-tailed green rat snakes play a crucial role in keeping certain animal populations under control.


 

Conservation

Learn more about our efforts, our conservation partners around the world, and the simple steps you can take to contribute.

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