Identification:
The water snake is a very common species. It is immediately recognizable by its large, broad head. The body is robust, cylindrical, and covered with raised scales. The top of the head displays white mask-like markings. The body coloration is a light reddish-brown with numerous pale yellow bands edged in black, which fade to a greyish-brown in older snakes. The underside is white with small black circular spots. Juvenile snakes are black with white bands.
Biology and Ecology:
This species is nocturnal and semi-aquatic, inhabiting freshwater environments such as rivers, lakes, canals, and swamps at altitudes up to 550 meters. Its primary diet consists of fish and frogs. Females give birth to 2-20 offspring per litter, with newborns measuring approximately 23 cm in length.
Distribution:
Vietnam: Kontum (Mo Ray), Binh Dinh (Qui Nhon), Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Tay Ninh, Ho Chi Minh City, Kien Giang (Rach Gia), Soc Trang, Minh Hai (U Minh, Nam Can)
Global: This snake is found throughout most of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, and India.
Status:
The population remains relatively common in the Mekong Delta.