venomous alien found on Anglesey!: |
Author | Message |
axel Member Joined: 16 May 2006 No. of posts: 31 View other posts by axel |
Posted: 05 Jul 2008 Here are some pics of a snake which was found on Anglesey this week. We have identified it as Dinodon rufozonatum - a rear-fanged species originating from Japan and China. The snake was caught by a man who thinks it has been living in his garden for the last two years. He saw a 'red and black' snake two years ago, but thought he was seeing things. Last year he found a shed and did a scale count, which didn't match adder or grass snake. This year he caught it. If the guys report is correct, it's pretty amazing that such an apparently exotic species is able to tolerate our climate. The snake was also found in a compost heap which could provide suitable conditions for egg incubation. Could there be any more?????????? |
adamanteus Senior Member Joined: 03 Jun 2008 No. of posts: 66 View other posts by adamanteus |
Posted: 05 Jul 2008 I have kept this species in the past... it is quite amazing that it has survived here, in the wild, for any length of time. I very much doubt there is any chance of it establishing any kind of 'foothold' in the UK. James. |
dave fixx Senior Member Joined: 13 Mar 2007 No. of posts: 319 View other posts by dave fixx |
Posted: 07 Jul 2008 not the kind of snake that you wouldnt miss,someone somewhere surely must be missing that wonderful creature.I know Anglesey has a special climate but thats taking it to the limit. Dave Williams davewilliamsphotography.co.uk |
axel Member Joined: 16 May 2006 No. of posts: 31 View other posts by axel |
Posted: 08 Jul 2008 Yes, it is surprising that it was allowed to escape, especially considering the potential danger of having a rear-fanged snake at large in a busy town. Also, to adamanteus, what were your experiences with getting this species to feed in captivity? The Anglesey Dinodon has so far refused defrosted mice. Ax |
Chris Newman Member Joined: 25 Feb 2003 No. of posts: 10 View other posts by Chris Newman |
Posted: 08 Jul 2008 Dinodon rufozonatum as previously are predominately from China, not uncommon in trade. Not imported as commonly today, as they were 5/10 years ago. Whilst they are rear fanged they are not injurious. In the wild they are often amphibian feeders, in captivity usually convert to mammalian diet. I would think the likelihood this species could survive UK winters exceptionally remote. Chris |
- venomous alien found on Anglesey! |