Kingdom Animalia Subphylum Vertebrata Order Squamata Scientific name Telescopus hoogstraali | Phylum Chordata Class Reptilia Suborder Serpentes Rank Species | |
Similar African Tiger Snake, European cat snake, Israeli cat snake, Platyceps rhodorachis, Crowned Leafnose Snake | ||
Telescopus hoogstraali, common names of which are Hoogstraal’s cat snake and Sinai cat snake, is an endangered species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to the Middle East.
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Etymology
The specific name, hoogstraali, honors American entomologist and parasitologist Harry Hoogstraal.
Description
T. hoogstraali has a black-coloured neck and head. Its eyes are small with vertical, cat-like pupils. The snake's underbelly is grey and is covered with black spots.
Geographic range
T. hoogstraali is found around the Sinai region, in Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian territories, as well as Jordan.
In Egypt, it is found in Santa Catarina and Gebel Maghara of northern Sinai Peninsula, while in Israel it can be found only in Negev Desert. It is also known from one city in Jordan, Petra.
Habitat
T. hoogstraali can be found at an elevation of 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) in natural habitats such as subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, rocky areas, and hot deserts.
Conservation status
T. hoogstraali is threatened by habitat loss and distribution.