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Family : NATRICIDAE
Species : Hebius sarawacense
Maximum Size : 78 cm
The Sarawak Keelback (or
Sarawak Mountain Keelback) inhabits hill and lower montane forest at
elevations ranging from 640 to 1700 metres.
It is diurnal and fully terrestrial in habits, preferring forest stream
habitats. It feeds on frogs and frog spawn.
The body is moderately slender, and the elongated head slightly wider than
the body. The eyes are moderately large.
The body is dark olive (sometimes blackish) to medium brown above,
adorned with numerous bands. Each band is dark brown in the middle
part, and buff on the flanks, thereby creating a chequered pattern. The lip
scales are pale - either creamy yellow or orange. The underside is chequered
black and yellow/white.
This species occurs in highland areas of Peninsular Malaysia (e.g. Cameron
Highlands) and Borneo.
Fig 1 : Specimen found early morning
at Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo at around 1700 metres elevation.
Fig 2 : Close-up of the elongate head and typical patterning. The eye
scales are opaque : this snake is probably preparing to shed its skin.
Fig 3 : Close-up of the chequered style of barring along the back.
All photos thanks to Remco Hofland.
Thanks to Evan Quah for assistance in identification.
References :
Das, I., 2010. A Field Guide to the Reptiles of South-east Asia. New Holland
Publishers (UK) Ltd.
Tweedie, M., 1957. The Snakes of Malaya. Raffles Museum, Singapore.
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