Pareas carinatus (Wagler, 1830)

Scientific Classification

The keeled slug-eating snake, scientifically known as Pareas carinatus, is a snake species that belongs to the family Pareidae.

Species Distribution

This species has a relatively wide distribution across Southeast Asia, ranging from southern China’s Yunnan province to Burma and Indochina, and extending to the Malay Archipelago, including Borneo, Java, Lombok, Sumatra, and Bali.

Subspecies Information

Two subspecies of Pareas carinatus are currently recognized: P. c. carinatus and P. c. unicolor.

The subspecies P. c. unicolor is found only in Cambodia.

Habitat Preferences

Keeled slug-eating snakes inhabit forests or areas adjacent to forests.

Activity Patterns

They are nocturnal and mostly arboreal.

Diet

As their common name indicates, they feed exclusively on snails and slugs.

Reproduction

This species is oviparous.

Conservation Status

Although forest destruction has negative impacts on Pareas carinatus, the IUCN notes that these impacts are only localized and do not pose a major threat to the species as a whole.