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Snakes of Fiji

Introduction

Snakes are amongst the oldest of reptilians with an equally versatile distribution. These creatures are legless having an elongated body and modified backbone.They do not have external ear openings on the side of their head,Their tail is relatively short and as a common feature it uses its deeply forked tongue to sense the surrounding air or ground which allows them to track and catch their prey. Snakes are carnivorous and are adapted to feeding on animals larger than their own body size. In attempts to subdue their prey, some snakes use venom, others squeeze their prey to death while others seize and swallow their prey whole.Whlle some species of snap lay their eggs others give birth co live young.

Records show that there are seven species of snakes hound in Fiji.Tkero is one endemic, one introduced and five indigenous species occupying our aquatic and terrestrial habitats. In this segment, we have selected four species that have a mix of commonly recognizable and less popularly known species to the public thus is an important attribution co self awareness of reptilian biodiversiey for Fiji.

Pelamls ploturus 20c

Commonly known as theYellow-bellied sea snake, pelagic sea snake or locally referred co as gatastvi, Pelamis platwrus is a species chat is the most widely distributed of all sea snakes. It ranges from the east coast of Africa through the Indian and Padfic Oceans co the tropical west coast of the Americas. Mostly found several kilometers out at sea but is occasionally found within our reefs in Fiji.

Pelamis platurus grows up to one meter in length. Its upper half of the body is black or dark brown with a cream yellow or pale lower half. On its yellowish tail are bock bars or spots. It has immobilizing venom and is an excellent swimmer and can remain underwater for up co 5hrs.This species gives birth to live young at sea.

Ogmodon vltlanus 90c

Commonly called the Fiji burrowing snake or locally referred to as bob, Ogmadon vitianus is the only endemic species of snake in Fiji. lc is a totem of the people of the tr be Nasalia, in the province of Namosi. It is restricted co the forested areas of south east Viti Levu at elevations ranging from 1 50m to 600m. It is listed as Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List due co its restricted distribution and threat from habitat destruction.

Ogrnadon vitianus is a burrowing species that lives on loose soil, under leaf litter, rotting logs or beneath termite nests. The adult for this specks grows up co 300 mm long with smooth body scales. The upper surface (dorsal) is dark brown/brown with lighter flanks whilst the ventral surface displays a pale brown or white blotched. The fangs are hollow along the upper jaw followed by decreasing posterior teach incision Juvenlla bear a yellowish mark on their head that disappears with age.

Tbk species is nocturnal ant venomous but non-aggressive. k feeds on wormy so(t-bodied insects a d other soil arthropods Thk endemic species is a member of the cobra family but due to Its elusiveness and or rarer very litde is known of its reproduction.

Laticauda colubrina $ I. I O

Laticauda calubrina commonly referred to as theWhke~ipped sea krait or yellowlipped sea kraic or locally referred co as dadakulaci. This species occurs from India through Malaysia and New Guinea into the Facific islands In Fqi it is an indigenous species and occurs on the reefs and smaller islands offVanua Levu and Viti Lavu.

The da^ldrakuhd can grow up to 1.5 meters long with smooch body scales.The tail is paddle-shaped. Upper surface (dorsal) blue gray with black crossbands around the body. Snout and upper lips white, rest of the head black except for a scrip of ye low extending back from the eyes.Ventral surface is light yellow. Has cloacal spurs on the side of the anus and is more obvious with males. Uses sensitive eyes and smell to detect prey and I uses its teeth secure it before it squeezes it to death.

This arboreal species is nocturnal and has a semi-terrescrial habitat whereby it occurs in rocky crevices, mangroves and along coastal waters near reefs, Feeds on eels and small f sh and are highly venomous but non aggressive. Mating and laying eggs occurs from October to April well above the high tide mark in deep crevices and bears up co 30 live-youngs.

Very similar co Laticaudata loficoudaita and Hydraphk cogged but distinct in that it lacks the brown/black upper lips and dorsovencrally flattened body shape respectively present in these latter species.Thelr main threats are habitat loss and being killed by man.

Candola blbroni $2

Condom bibrani commonly referred to as the Pacific boa or locally called gate or Swata and occurs from the Bismarck Archipelap, Solomon Islands,Vanuacu, Fiji, Tonga and co Samoa. It is an Indigenous species that is found on most~of Fiji's larger islands and most outer island groups.

The Paciflc boa can grow up to three meters long, with a distinctive triangular head. Its upper body pattern is dotted and entwined with colors that range from blackish brown co reddish brown co pink or greenish grey. The lower surface (ventral) generally has a cream color with black rectangle in the cencre of caudal scales. its belly is darkened and progressi~et,v blotched from the tail. It has cloacal spurs on the side of the anus that is more obvious with males.They use sensitive eyes and smell co detect prey and their teeth to secure it before it squeezes it to death.

They are found in most terrestrial habitats, bearing up to 30 live~youngs, is nocturnal and mainly arboreal. Their main dueats are habitat loss and being killed by man.

$2.00	$0.90
$1.10	$0.20

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