Thrasops occidentalis, commonly known as the western black snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The snake is found in central Africa.[2][3] This species is native to parts of West and Central Africa and is known for its distinct black coloration.[4]
| Thrasops occidentalis | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Thrasops |
| Species: | T. occidentalis
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| Binomial name | |
| Thrasops occidentalis (Parker, 1940}
| |
Taxonomy
edit- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Family: Colubridae
- Genus: Thrasops
- Species: T. occidentalis
The species was first described by George Albert Boulenger in 1895.
Description
editThrasops occidentalis is characterized by its predominantly black coloration, which provides camouflage in its natural habitat. The snake can vary in size, but adults typically range from 1.5 to 2 meters in length. The scales are smooth, and the body is elongated, allowing for efficient movement through its environment.
Distribution and habitat
editThrasops occidentalis is found in various countries across West and Central Africa, including:
- Sierra Leone
- Guinea
- Liberia
- Ivory Coast
- Ghana
- Nigeria
- Cameroon
Its habitat includes tropical forests, savannas, and sometimes agricultural areas. The snake prefers environments where it can easily find prey and suitable shelter.
Behavior and ecology
editDiet and reproduction
editThe diet of Thrasops occidentalis primarily consists of small mammals, birds, and occasionally reptiles. It is an opportunistic feeder and uses its agility to capture a variety of prey. Thrasops occidentalis is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs. The breeding season and specific reproductive behaviors are not well-documented but are presumed to be similar to other colubrid snakes, with females laying clutches of eggs that hatch after an incubation period.
Predators and threats
editAs with many snake species, Thrasops occidentalis faces predation from larger mammals, birds of prey, and humans. Habitat destruction and fragmentation pose significant threats to its population due to deforestation and agricultural expansion.
Conservation status
editThe conservation status of Thrasops occidentalis has not been extensively studied, and it is not currently listed on the IUCN Red List. However, habitat loss and human activities could potentially impact its population in the future.
External links
editReferences
edit- ^ Branch, W.R.; Luiselli, L. (2013). "Thrasops occidentalis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013: e.T13265717A13265724. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T13265717A13265724.en. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
- ^ British Museum (Natural History). Dept. of Zoology; Boulenger, George Albert (1893). Catalogue of the snakes in the British Museum (Natural History) . Smithsonian Libraries. London : Printed by order of the Trustees.
- ^ "Thrasops occidentalis". The Reptile Database. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
- ^ "A Field guide to the reptiles of East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi". Choice Reviews Online. 39: 39–5814–39-5814. 2002-06-01. doi:10.5860/CHOICE.39-5814.
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