Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
(A)
(B)
Plate 4.7
(A-D) Mangrove cat snake or golden-ringed cat snake; ular tetak mas; bangkit
(
Boiga dendrophila
).
Commonly maintained in captivity due to its ornate contrasting coloring
and prominent barred pattern, bites documented to date have included only mild local effects.
Cases have been posted on the Internet that illustrate more severe local effects, but these
require formal medical confirmation. Large specimens are probably capable of inflicting bites
that may cause more significant local pathology. This species produces an avian/saurian-
specific postsynaptic neurotoxin; thus, its Duvernoy's secretion should be more accurately
termed a “prey-specific venom” (see
Table 4.1
and Appendix A).
Plate 4.7A and B, photos copyright to Julian White.
Plate 4.8
Forsten's cat snake; naga; le mapila; naga mapila (
Boiga forsteni
).
The toxic
potential of this species has been subject to speculation. The Sri Lankan populations have
especially been feared locally, but there are no data supporting any significant danger from
these snakes. Photo copyright to David A. Warrell.
