Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Serpentes Scientific name Liophis perfuscus Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Higher classification Liophis | |
Similar Snake, Liophis, Julia's ground s, Colubridae, Reptile | ||
The Barbados racer (Liophis perfuscus), also commonly known as the tan ground snake, is a species of colubrid snake that is endemic to Barbados.
Contents
History
This is species is often believe to the snake described by Richard Ligon in his "A True and Exact History of the Island of Barbadoes" (1657):
"Having done with Beasts and Birds, we will enquire what other lesser Animalls or Insects there are upon the Iland, of which, Snakes are the chiefe, because the largest; and I have seen some of those a yard and a halfe long."
Conservation status
Though the species is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in its assessment from 1996, it is actually believed to be extinct, as there has not been a confirmed sighting since 1961. Habitat loss is believed to have caused its decline, particularly the land clearance and pesticide use associated with tree crops.
Description
It grew to a total length of 1 m (39 in), which included a tail 20 cm (7.9 in) long. It was colored brown with lighter sides, and light lateral stripes to the rear.
Habitat, behavior, and diet
It probably lived in mesic habitats, and actively foraged during the day for lizards and frogs.