Zaocys dhumnades (Cantor, 1842)

English Name Chinese Rat Snake

Taxonomic Position Reptilia: Squamata: Serpentes: Chlubridae

Category Least Concern

Recognization Greenish-brown or brownish-black above with four broad, black, longitudinal stripes, two on each side, which extend from nape to tip of tail in juveniles, but are confined to foreparts in adults; lower surface dirty white. Head distinct from neck; eyes large, pupil rounded. Dorsal scale rows in even numbers, 16 - 16 - 14, the median two to four rows strongly keeled;  ventrals male 192-204, female 191-205; anal divided; subcaudals male 95-137 pairs, female 98-131 pairs.

Local Range Widely distributed in many provinces and autonomous regions. Reported from Anhui, Fujian, Gansu, Guizhou, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Taiwan, and Zhejiang.

Biology Inhabits plains, hilly lands, or low mountainous regions at elevations from 50 to 1570 meters. It is always found in rice-fields or cultivated land searching rats or frogs for food.

Current Status Chinese rat snake has long been utilized as drug in Chinese traditional medicine. It is also a common kind of edible snake. So, it has been killed in great numbers every year. The population has been much reduced in recent years.

Protective Measures and Suggestion Chinese Rat Snake has been classified as major protected wildlife in several provinces.