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Text and photos by Nick Baker, unless otherwise stated

 EcologyAsia 2008
Copyright ©
 
 
     

 

 
   
Black-headed Cat Snake
   

This adult specimen of over one metre was found in a rusting, abandoned electrical junction box.
Taman Negara, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia.

Family : COLUBRIDAE
Species : Boiga nigriceps
Maximum Size : 1.75 metres

References : H1, H3

 

The Black-headed or Red Cat Snake inhabits primary and secondary lowland rainforest up to around 1000 metres altitude. It is mainly arboreal and, as shown in these photos, will readily inhabit abandoned buildings.

The body scales are reddish-brown or olive-grey, with faint darker flecks. The top of the head is dark grey or grey-brown and the throat and labials cream in colour. The ventral surface is pale. The species preys on a variety of vertebrates including lizards, frogs, birds and mice.

 
   

The Black-headed Cat Snake ranges from southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia to Borneo, Sumatra and Java.