Identification:
This reptile species possesses a slender body, reaching a body length of up to 1.6 meters. The head is distinctly differentiated from the neck. A dark gray-black stripe extends from the eye to the mouth on each side of the head. The eyes are of medium size, with vertically elliptical pupils. The body color is light gray or reddish-brown. The anterior part of the body features black rings interspersed with lighter gray bands, which become less distinct and disappear toward the posterior end. The belly is white or pale yellow.
Biology and Ecology:
This species typically inhabits trees within well-preserved evergreen forests and forests recovering from slash-and-burn agriculture, at elevations ranging from 200 to 1,500 meters. It can also be found occasionally in bamboo forests. This species is nocturnal and exhibits excellent climbing abilities. Its diet consists of birds, bird eggs, small mammals, and lizards.
Distribution:
This species has a wide distribution, found in Lào Cai, Thái Nguyên, Cao Bằng, and the Central Highlands, as well as Đồng Nai, Bình Dương, and Bình Phước provinces. However, it is considered a rare species.