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| Coluber
jugularis from Erbil, Iraq |
| This snake was previously placed together with Coluber caspius and Coluber schmidti in one species. It is found in Turkei, Cyprus, Northern Iraq and Syria. It is normally found in the lowlands and is replaced bye Coluber ravergieri in high altitudes. It is one of if not the largest snake in the area and is often 2 meter or more. The average size of adult animals is larger than of caspius. The coloration is uniform black with a light colored or pink or read throat. Juveniles are light brown with darker bands or blotches on the back. Adult coloration starts from about one meter in length. The juveniles from Eastern Turkei or Iraq can be hard to distinguish from the larger species of Eirenis, but they have 19 dorsal rows and Einenis 17 or 15. |
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| Coluber
jugularis halvvoksen |
| Coluber jugularis is found in nearly all types of habitats. They avoid very moist areas, and is normally concentrated in places with lots of prey. Dumping grounds, around stables south turning rocky slopes and rockfences are among their favorites. In the early morning they are often found basking on the roads is not allready killed by cars. Local people on Cyprus kills thousands of them each year this way. They are dayactive and very shy. They are really fast moving animals that mostly flee long before they are spotted. If they are caught or chased into a corner they will turn against and attack the intruder. Their bite is hard and they chew and chew leaving a serious bite, that will not heal for a long time. They prey on smaller mammels, reptiles, amphibians, birds and eggs, and I have found so stange food items as turtles, small rabits and kittens in their stomachs during my time in Cyprus and Iraq. This snake is protected in Europe under the Bern-Konvention. |
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| Coluber
jugularis baby |
| This
snake has newer been a popular animal inside our hobby. They are very
active and easy to keep, but their temperament is too much for most
keepers. They are very hard to calm down and tame is not a word that
can be associated with this animal. They are not poisonous, but their
bite is not a pleasent experience. Besides this nasty habit, they are
very intelligente and curious animals. They need a large terrarium with
lots of hiding places. They hardly or newer drink or bade, but a waterbowl
is still necessary. They prefer a hot and dry inviroment, and room temperature
should be kept at about 27*C during the day and cooler at night. Heating
spots are often preferred especially after feeding. They do prey on
other snakes but they are so so canibalistic as Coluber caspius. They
are feed on a diet of rodents like mice or small rats. Juveniles hardly
newer eats anything but lizards. They are hibernated for 3-4 months
at 10 - 14 *C and matings takes place in the early spring. 45-50 days
after copulation the female lays her eggs that hatches after 50 -55
days at 28 - 29*C |
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Habitate
from Nicosia, Cyprus |
