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Bungarus fasciatus (Schneider, 1801)
| Family Name: | Elapidae |
| Taxonomic Group: | Vertebrates (Reptile) |
| Common Name: | Banded Krait |
Name
Description
| Description | Head slightly distinct from body. Body thick, somewhat triangular in cross-section, scales smooth. White or yellowish above with a series of black bars hich extend onto the belly, and are as broad as the pale-coloured segments. Head mostly black with blunt snout, tip of tail blunt. |
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Ecology, Habitat & Location
| Ecological Notes | Occurs in forest and scrubland where it is mainly terrestrial and nocturnal and feeds chiefly on other snakes. In Singapore, it has mostly been found along the coast near mangroves. A highly venomous snake whose bite can be fatal to humans. |
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| Habitats | Forest, Mangroves, Terrestrial |
| Distribution | It occurs throughout Southeast Asia, but in Singapore, is recently known only from along the coast, from Pulau Ubin, Pulau Tekong, Lim Chu Kang, Sungei Buloh and Khatib Bongsu. |
| Nature Reserves | Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve |
| Nature Areas | Pulau Tekong, Pulau Ubin |
Conservation
| Trends & Threats | Habitat degradation, human persecution due to its highly venomous nature. |
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| Scientific Interest & Potential Value | A highly venomous snake of medical importance. |
| Conservation Notes | Habitat protection, strict policing against illegal collection. |
Status
| Species Status | Native |
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| Conservation Status | Rare |
| Singapore Red Data Book Status | Endangered (EN) [2008] |
Photos
References
| References | Baker, N. & Lim, K. 2008. Wild animals of Singapore. Singapore: Draco Publishing and Distribution Pte Ltd. 180pp Davison, G.W.H., Ng, P.K.L. & Ho, H.C (Eds.). 2008. The Singapore Red Data Book (2nd Edition). Singapore: Nature Society (Singapore). 285pp |
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