Reptile · GBIF taxon 2452268
Tiger Keelback
Rhabdophis tigrinusAlso known as Yamakagashi, Kkotbaem, Asian Tiger Snake
Tiger keelbacks showcase a striking olive-green body patterned with bold orange, black, and red crossbars along the neck and forebody. Uniquely equipped with dual defenses, these snakes possess rear-fanged venom as well as special nuchal glands that sequester toxic bufadienolides from the poisonous toads they consume. Highly aquatic and diurnal, they thrive in paddy fields and riverbanks across East Asia where they hunt amphibians.
VenomousSemi-aquaticReptile
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Toads
- Frogs
- Small Fish
Predators
- Eagles
- Herons
- Badgers
ThreatsAgricultural chemical runoff, habitat degradation, and decline of amphibian prey
HabitatsWetlands, rice paddies, streams, and damp woodlands
Life span10–15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyColubridae
- SpeciesRhabdophis tigrinus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Possesses rear-fanged venom and poisonous neck glands; observe safely from a distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Rear-fanged venom causes severe systemic hemorrhaging and coagulation failure, while neck glands release poisonous cardiac toxins when pressed.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by a vibrant green body with alternating red and black vertical bars near the head and strongly keeled dorsal scales.
- What to do
- Maintain several meters distance and never attempt to catch or handle wild specimens.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Watch from a respectful distance without attempting to corner or handle the snake.
- Identification: Look for bright orange or red vertical bands behind a green head with keeled scales.
- Footwear Choice: Wear protective tall boots when walking through long grass near Asian rice paddies.
Prey Visviva / Public domain · cc0
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