Heather Jones was at Lower Peirce Reservoir on 19 October 2006 morning when she spotted a very rare (Lim & Lee, 1989; Lim & Lim, 1992; Cox et al., 1998) Twin-barred Tree Snake (Chrysopelea pelias) on the wooden boardwalk. According to "The Singapore Red Data Book", this beautiful snake is considered vulnerable (Species believed likely to move into the "Endangered" category in the near future if the threats to its survival are not reduced or eliminated.). Unfortunately, there is little known about this species (Lim & Lee, 1989; Lim & Lim, 1992; Cox et al., 1998).This diurnal, arboreal and mildly-venomous snake inhabits forests and feeds on small vertebrates such as lizards (Lim & Lim, 1992). It can grow up to 74 cm in total body length (Cox et al., 1998) and lays eggs (Lim & Lim, 1992).
This species is distributed in southern Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, Borneo and nearby islands (Cox et al., 1998).
REFERENCES
Cox, M. J., van Dijk, P. P., Nabhitabhata, J. & Thirakhupt, K., 1998. A photographic guide to snakes and other reptiles of Peninsula Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. New Holland Publishers (UK) Ltd, p. 66.
Lim, F. L. K. & Lee, M. T. M., 1989. Fascinating Snakes of Southeast Asia – an Introduction. Tropical Press, Kuala Lumpur, p. 65.
Lim, K. K. P. & Lim, F. L. K., 1992. A Guide To The Amphibians & Reptiles Of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre, p. 69.
