One of the most restricted and rare reptiles in the Levant. This snake is found in the hilly and mountainous regions of the southern Anti-Lebanon Mountains between 1000 as well as the southern and central Lebanon Mountains between 1000 and 2200 meters asl. It inhabits cedar forests, grassy hillsides, even rocky areas, usually close to a water sources. They primarily use rodent borrows as hiding places and a source of prey.
Habitat and ecology
It is one of the largest snakes in the region, with some adults exceeding two meters in length. Adults have a black head and a speckled yellow-orange body with darker blotches and keeled dorsal scales. The underside is usually a uniform yellow. Juveniles are generally gray with black heads and dark blotches, which contrast more sharply than in adults.
Previously, this species was classified as Elaphe sauromates, but after studying the rat snake population in the Levant Mountains, scientists proposed the name Elaphe druzei in honor of the Druze, a religious community native to the Levant.
Identification
Snapshot
With the description of the species, it was suggested that it should be considered Endangered due to its estimated range of no more than 3000 km2. Like most of the mountain speices in the region, their are threatened by habitat loss to urbanization, overgrazing and killing of snakes out of fear and lack of environmental awareness.
Petals & Paws
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