Identification:
The Southern Banded Krait (Bungarus fasciatus) is characterized by alternating black and white bands along its cylindrical body. These consist of 19 to 30 black bands that do not encircle the belly, and 7 to 9 bands on the tail. Individual black scales are often found on the white bands at their junction with the white ventral surface. The head is dark gray, with a slightly lighter coloration on the upper sides of the mouth. Like all snakes in the genus Bungarus, they possess smooth scales and enlarged vertebral scales.
Biology and Ecology:
This species is nocturnal and primarily preys on other snakes. Females lay 4-10 eggs per year; hatchlings are 27-29 cm long. Its venom is highly toxic, potentially lethal to humans. They inhabit tropical rainforests and have been found at elevations up to 1,500 meters.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Nghệ An – Vinh, Quảng Bình – Bố Trạch, Thừa Thiên Huế, Đắk Lắk – Đạo Nghĩa, Lâm Đồng – Đà Lạt, Khánh Hòa – Đại Lãnh, Ninh Thuận – Phan Rang, Tây Ninh – Lò Gò, Sa Mác, Đồng Nai – Biên Hòa, Bảy Núi – An Giang.
- Worldwide: The Southern Banded Krait is distributed throughout Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indochina, and parts of Indonesia.
Conservation Status:
Populations are significantly reduced due to overhunting for medicinal purposes. The species is currently threatened.