Rhino Rat Snake

About the Rhino Rat Snake

The rhinoceros ratsnake (Gonyosoma boulengeri), also known commonly as the rhinoceros snake, rhino rat snake, and Vietnamese longnose snake, is a species of nonvenomous ratsnake in the family Colubridae. The species is found from northern Vietnam to southern China. It has a prominent, distinctive, scaled protrusion on the front of its snout, which has led to its common naming after a rhinoceros.

The specific name, boulengeri, is in honor of Belgian-British biologist George Albert Boulenger. G. boulengeri is found in northern Vietnam including Tam Dao, and in southern China. During a 2001 survey, 10 specimens were observed in Yên Bái Province, northern Vietnam.

The adult size of G. boulengeri is 100–160 cm (39–63 in) in total length (including tail). Its scale count includes 19 rows of dorsals at midbody. The rhinoceros ratsnake inhabits subtropical rainforests at elevations between 300 and 1,100 m (980 and 3,610 ft), particularly valleys with streams. It is generally arboreal, and mostly diurnal, hunting small mice and other rodents, birds, and perhaps other vertebrate prey. Oviparous, its mating season... Wikipedia →