Every animal has its own worth that other genera cannot fully up. Humans, however, have dominated the ecosystem through decades, and the over exploitation is now causing many species including rare snakes to become extinct or threatened.
Snakes are often thought of as one of the creatures that are most dangerous however they are actually in danger. The majority of snakes found in the natural world are non-venomous, and less poisonous, however, a small percentage are considered dangerous.
Due to the increase in species, as well as the threat of invasive animals such as mongooses as well as climate change scientists listed an entire nearly 97 types of snakes considered to be threatened.
Rare Snakes
When we did our research, we found a few species, they are very rare, and scientists are concerned about their survival. We will provide you with the top rarest snakes around the globe.
1. Saint Lucia Racer
Erythrolamprus ornatus, also called Saint Lucia Racer is the most rare snake in the world that only 20 individuals are living on the planet. Their ancestral habitat is in the east of Caribbean and is found in Saint Lucia.
They lived in peace, however with the arrival of mongooses invading the area their numbers are drastically reduced.
The serpent is tiny in size. Authorities begin eradicating predators, including mongooses, from Saint Lucia to save the threatened species. Don’t worry since the most rare snake on earth isn’t venomous or dangerous to humans.
2. Blind Snakes with lines or stripes
It is our 2nd selection in the list of the most rare snakes in the world due to the fact that it is extremely rare not just by numbers but also because of the secluded characteristic of the animal.
It is part of the Ramphotyphlops species. They are typically found in the regions of Indo-Asia.
They are found in the soil, particularly in the soil of lowland. To make it easier to get into the soil, they sport an elongated face. It’s hard to tell their head from their body. In 2019, it was found after 172 years of being in Singapore.
The unfortunate thing is that it was found in a dead state. However, it’s a sign to biologists that this species is alive and well in the deep soils.
3. Albany adder
Albany adder is a rare and dangerous species that has been seen only 12 times since its first recorded appearance in 1937. It is, unless it’s a viper, poisonous and may cause severe inflammation , but further studies haven’t been conducted.
Scientists were worried that it was gone However, in recent research they found four live serpents. The reason behind the fewer species is the decline of the land they inhabit.
Biologists are now taking a variety of measures to safeguard their habitat in order to preserve them.
4. Cyclades blunt-nosed Viper
Macrovipera Schweizer often referred to by the name of Milos viper and Cyclades sharp-nosed viper is an endangered species found on Cyclades Island which lies within Cyclades Island, which is located in the Aegean Sea.
Its distribution species is very limited since it can be found only in four Islands. In 2009, the government listed the species as a strictly protected species due to the persecution and torture of humans , it is a species that is in danger.
While it is a seldom encountered reptile, its Venom is a well-known feature. It’s a reason humans are afraid of since it could strike in less than 120 milliseconds.
5. Short-nosed Sea-snake
The short-nosed Sea-snake , also called the Sahul reef snake of the Arafura Sea is a venomous and extremely dangerous snake for human being. But the various activities of human beings have put this species endangered.
It is found mostly within Ashmore along with Cartier Islands and Ningaloo Reef. In the event that it was not since the last 15 years, scientists are worried that it may disappear.
They are long-lived and covered in the purple-brown band. They are found in reefs as well as under seas that is 2 to 20 meters deep. They are affected by drowning of trawler nets and the contaminating of water. These are the factors that harm snakes which are a serious issue for scientists.
6. Antiguan Racer
Antiguan racer is among the species at risk in the past few years, because only 50 of them were remaining at Antiguan Island. Antiguan Island and Barbuda Island is the land that was originally used.
Through the care of the species and removing predators, the population of Antiguan racers has risen to 1,100.
They have a variety of colors both in the male and female body, and as they age the color changes rapidly and reveal bright color hues. They’re not poisonous, but for their protection, they hide a the smell of musky.
7. Horned Desert Viper
The snake is rare and well-known for its intriguing look , with the tiny hairs on its head. It is quite prevalent in desert areas and is usually found in cooler climates.
To identify this predator that ambush the deserts, you can find numerous local and popular names such as Saharan viper with horns, greater Cerastes, African desert horned viper etc.
The viper typically sinks his body into the sand, extending his horned head upwards to the sand, and then waits for the prey. When they are scared, they will put their body in a C shape.
8. Aruba Island Rattle Snake
It is a species that is critically endangered of snake which has been discovered in lesser numbers. It is native and is native to Aruba Island. The snakes vary in hues and display striking coloration. It is evident in the brown to pink hue as well as tan colors created with diamond-shaped stripes.
The area of its habitat is limited therefore there are only a few possibilities of spreading or migration. There are only 240 adults of each species that are found on the island which is not protected. This is why they’re included in the Species Survival Plan for captive breeding.
9. Tancitaran dusky rattlesnake
It is the most rare species that is part of an venomous species of viper. According to recent research, the species is confined to just five regions and continues decline. They are most commonly seen throughout Michoacan’s West center of Michoacan.
It is important to protect it as the sounds that comes from its tail animal is not enough to ward off the predators that have become invasive.
10. Santa Catalina Island Rattlesnake
Santa Catalina Island Rattle Snake is a rare and unique rattlesnake with no functioning rattle. It is native to Santa Catalina Island. It’s color is different throughout the body.
The pit viper is extremely dangerous, and extremely dangerous since it is a source of various toxins that can be harmful for other species. Although it isn’t rattle-free however, its mastery of climbing is a great way to shield its prey from predators and capture prey to feed on.
In the bottom in our Snakes gallery, we’ve created an outline of the snakes in the world.
This is where you can discover which ones are the longest, fastest, and even the one with the largest fangs! This is also where you’ll find the image of one of the most sought-after snakes around the globe – The Saint Lucia racer.
Amazingly, there are less than 20 of this tiny non-venomous snake remaining throughout the world. The only thing they have is to a small, nine-hectare island off on the continent of the Caribbean island known as Saint Lucia.
Fauna and Flora International (FFI) is an international conservation organization committed to protecting the species’ endangered ecosystems and wildlife.
Together together with Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and other national agencies, FFI is working to restore those snakes that are on the verge of their extinction.
It was previously the second most frequent serpent on Saint Lucia. What happened?
The 19 in the 19 century, tiny Asian mongooses came to this island. They found the land-based racers to be easy prey, and their population dipped to the point where they were believed to have gone extinct.
Thus, an emergency program was created to safeguard the remaining racers, and promote their significance.
However, with so few numbers, could they actually be restored?
The answer is yes! In the past the most rare snake in the world was believed to be an Antiguan racer, a different Caribbean snake species that is found in a handful of off-shore islands of Antigua as well as Barbuda.
In 1995, there were only 50 individuals were left however, with the assistance of FFI as well as other international and national organizations that are helping them make an appearance.
The numbers of them have grown 22 fold over that period and now exceed 1,100 people. There is still hope.
How did they accomplish this? They’ve focused an enormous amount of effort to eradicate the dangerous invasive species – especially ship rats, which were introduced to the islands. They also implemented strict control to protect the delicate ecosystems.
Snakes are often criticized and misunderstood. Therefore, they’ve also been focused on changing perceptions and increasing awareness.
This has proven so effective that a lot of Antiguans and Barbudans are now avid advocates of their own unique snake and their unique ecosystem.
Therefore, we hope that by securing the remaining Saint Lucia racers, and the small island they live on, their numbers will begin to stabilize and increase. It’s so encouraging to hear positive stories about conservation. I wish them the best of success in the world.
The Most Gorgeous Snakes around the World
I’ve always had an interest with exotic animal species, particularly creatures that scare most people.
A friend of mine has snakes as pets. I’ve been with him for over 25 years, and throughout his time, he’s always had at a minimum two snakes living in his house, and I believe there are a few spiders. Yes, I do mean on purpose.
He’s a pretty normal person (well at least according to my standards) therefore I have accepted that there are people who see these reptiles more differently from me.
However, one thing that can’t be denied at the very least once you’ve overcome your initial feelings of repulsion is that snakes truly are gorgeous creatures. Perhaps not in the same way that a squirrel with fur and a delicate butterflies are gorgeous, but they possess a distinct elegance and natural beauty that few other creatures can rival.
It can be hard to discern when the beautiful viper is screaming at you from only a couple of feet away, but I’ve collected some of the most interesting in this article for you to look over.
1. Emerald Green Pit Viper
Let’s start with a new find; the Emerald Green Pit Viper was first discovered around 2002 within the Eastern mountain ranges within the Himalayas in the country of Burma. The venomous snake is intensely green and has bright markings , with males sporting red eyes and white and red stripes, while females are yellow-colored with eyes and stripes that are predominantly white.
They can reach approximately 4 1/2 feet in length however, as a relatively recent discovery in the reptile world there is a lot about this gorgeous creature we have yet to discover and even their exact size.
2. Blue Malaysian Coral Snake
It is the Blue Malaysian Coral Snake grows to around 5 feet in length and eats a diet of other snakes as well as other snakes of its species. It may occasionally eat a snake, frog or lizard or maybe an unlucky bird however for the most majority of the time, it’s just an eater of snakes.
The reptile that is poisonous is most active at evening, when it is quite aggressive, but remains shy until the sun sets. It utilizes its bright body to frighten predators by turning around and showing its red belly.
It utilizes its tail to act as a decoy for its head and allows it to strike when it is hit by its tail. The snake is located throughout Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand.
3. Brazilian Rainbow Boa
The Brazilian Rainbow Boa is considered to be one of the most beautiful snakes in nature. The iridescent appearance in its scales created by tiny ridges in the scales which reflect light in the form of tiny prisms.
This is a great addition to the color of the boa already appealing and makes it an outstanding reptile. The majority of them are found throughout the Amazon Basin, this snake feeds on rodents of small size and birds. However, it could also consume amphibians like lizards and frogs.
This snake is medium-sized that averages 5 feet but occasionally reaching the height of 7 or 8 feet.
4. Northern Scarlet Snake
It is the Northern Scarlet Snake is found in the eastern and southern regions of the United States, often burrowing in the open forests or in agriculturally cultivated areas, and tends to stay in hiding.
This nonvenomous snake feeds mainly on reptile eggs , including snake eggs, but it also eats rodents and Lizards. It is a tiny snake that has a maximum length of just two feet, and the record length of 32 inches.
5. King Cobra
When we think of big snakes, we usually think of boas and pythons and anacondas. However, the King Cobra is the longest snake with venom isn’t a shorty , but it is a very long shot.
At a minimum of 12 feet and exceeding 18 feet and more, the King Cobra is an agile and quick reptile. It is regarded as to be the most deadly Asiatic snake, as it delivers the most potent dose of venom with just one bite.
They are found all over Southeast Asia and parts of India This snake feeds mostly on other snakes but can also devour small rodents, lizards as well as birds.
The majority of snakes are oviparous, and can lay eggs. A lot of snakes leave the eggs when they have laid. There are some exceptions, however certain snakes, for instance King Cobra, for instance. King Cobra, stay with eggs, and some snakes are ovoviviparous.
That means they carry eggs inside and then give birth even though the eggs are just membranes. There are some questions about whether snakes are viviparous and give birth to live offspring but without the offspring having ever having an egg casing.
6. Topaz Tanami Woma Python
Topaz Tanami Woma Python Topaz Tanami Woma Python is an average-sized python that grows to around 3 1/2 feet. It was specifically bred in captivity with Tanami Woma Python. Tanami Woma Python to increase the depth of its colors.
The Tanami Woma can be found within the Tanami Desert region in the Australian Northern Territory. In their natural habitats Womas are burrowing snakes typically living in burrows that have multiple chambers. They feed on small mammals like rabbits, reptiles such as lizards, and even lizards.
7. Leucistic Texas Rat Snake
It is believed that the Leucistic Texas Rat Snake is a nonvenomous snake that is found mostly in Texas. I’m curious if that might have something to do with the reason it was named the way it was?
The “leucistic” part refers to the fact that they are less pigmented than all skin pigments , which is distinct from albinism, where melanin is the only pigment diminished. Contrary to albinos, animals affected by leucism don’t have an altered color of the eyes.
With a length of over six feet long, the leucistic Texas Rat Snake has a well-balanced diet and consumes plenty of birds and rodents and frogs, as well as Lizards. They can bite quickly when handled, but their bites are generally non-harmful.
8. Emerald Tree Boa
The Emerald Tree Boa is found in a variety of regions of South America including along the Amazon River. They typically measure 6 feet in length , but they can reach 9 feet. Their diet is mostly small mammals.
However, they do occasionally eat lizards, birds and Frogs. Their slower metabolism allows them to stay for long periods of time between meals.
Although they are not related to any species Emerald Tree Boas are quite similar in appearance to Green Tree Python who are closely connected to that of High Yellow Green Tree Python.
9. High Yellow Green Tree Python
It is also known as the High Yellow Tree Python is an enormous snake that can grow between 4 and seven feet in length. It’s nonvenomous and feeds on small mammals , and occasionally reptiles.
The hunter hangs from branches , and striking with an S shapebefore restricting their prey. The snake is oviparous, and one of the rare snakes that remain with its eggs and incubates the eggs.
It is primarily found around the Island located in Kofiau within West Papua, Indonesia, but the Green Tree Python to which it is closely related is found throughout Indonesia, New Guinea, and even parts in Queensland, Australia.
10. Pied-Bellied Shieldtail Snake
Pied-Bellied Shieldtails do not sting burrowing snakes, which mainly are found beneath the ground throughout India as well as Sri Lanka. They are believed to consume mostly earthworms, though no research has been conducted to prove this.
They are small, with a an average length of 2 1/2 feet, but typically, they are smaller and full-grown snakes are often not more than 8 inches.
11. Coast Garter Snake
Coast Garter Snake Coast Garter Snake can be located across the Western coastal regions of the United States from Oregon down to southern California. The snake is considered to be harmless to humans, but it does release some mild neurotoxins that is released by chewing on its prey.
When you bite one of the colubrids may cause irritation and swelling but does not cause any lasting harm. Coast Garter Snakes are one of the broadest diets of reptiles. They will eat anything they can withstand, from slugs to earthworms and leeches to fish, birds and rodents. They can grow between 18 and 42 inches.
12. Red Milk Snake
Red Milk Snakes are not poisonous however they look very similar to some kinds of poisonous Coral Snake, fooling predators into thinking that the harmless snake is mistaken as its more deadly twin.
Red Milk Snakes are located from the southern regions of Canada up to the parts of Ecuador as well as Venezuela.
They can grow to an average length of five feet, however the majority are smaller, with some being just 20 inches when an adult. Their diet is mostly of rodents, however they also eat opportunistic food and can eat fish, other snakes reptiles, birds, bird eggs and much more.
They get their name due to an urban myth that said they would drink milk from the cow’s udder. This was likely to happen because of the abundance of barns, where plenty of rodents could be found to feed.
13. Eastern Corn Snake
Eastern Corn Snakes (or simply Corn Snakes or also known as Red Rat Snakes) are located in the southeastern and central United States.
The beautiful reptiles can reach sizes of up to 6 feet. They are typically located in areas where smaller rodents congregate since this is their primary diet.
They are incredibly gentle snakes that make great pets, as their care is simple and they’re generally not inclined to bite, which makes them a great choice for those who are just beginning to become snake lovers.
Extra: Easter Corn Snake
A close relative to The Eastern Corn Snake, the amazingly vibrant Easter Corn Snake is only often seen in the last part of March, and then in April’s final days.
The exact day on which the snake can be observed varies every year, making it difficult for many people to pinpoint precisely when the snake will appear each year.
It lives on a diet consisting of Easter eggs, and is often be seen in regions in which Easter egg hunts held.
However, the snakes occasionally are also reported to eat Peeps that wander away from the group and swallow whole rabbits and all they eat is solid and marshmallow varieties of rabbits.
Contrary to their cousins that are the Eastern Corn Snake, they are not suitable for keeping because they are known to mysteriously disappear from their enclosures after three days.
General Snake Facts
- Snakes have all muscles and backbone, with some species having as many as 500 vertebrae. Humans are blessed with 33 vertebrae.
- Many harmless snakes have similar colors to snakes that are more dangerous in order to protect themselves against predators.
- It is impossible to win a contest to see who is the best by using the help of a snake. They don’t have eyelids and cannot blink, their eyes protected by an opaque scale.
- The majority of snakes have hundreds of teeth, however they make use of them to hold the prey they eat while swallowing it.
- Except for Antarctica Snakes can be found across every continent, and on nearly all islands.
- There are more than 3000 snake species that have been identified.
Glossary
- Boids – A grouping of snakes that includes boasand anacondas and pythons. Bodies are all non-venomous constrictors.
- Colubrids – A general classification which covers about two-thirds all snakes, the majority of which, though none of them are considered nonvenomous. Even snakes that produce venom are generally considered safe for humans.
- Constrictor – A creature that entraps prey and disables it by wrapping itself around it and tightening its coils in order to incapacitate or end the life of the prey.
- Elapids – A category that covers all snakes with fixed-fangs, including coral snakes and cobras. All elapids are poisonous and include all of the most deadly snakes that exist that attack their central nervous systems of their victims with a neurotoxin that is fast-acting which restricts breathing.
- Herpetology – The study of amphibians and reptiles, such as snakes.
- Leucism – A disorder that manifests as decreased pigmentation in the skin pigments of humans and animals that result in irregular patches white on the animal, or, in rarer cases, an entire coat of white.
- Oviparous – This means animals who hatch eggs outside of their bodies. Alongside animals, birds and snakes platypus are also oviparous.
- Ovoviviparous – This refers to animals that carry eggs internally, the egg becoming just a thin membrane at the moment the “live birth” occurs. Some snakes have their babies with this method, but it isn’t a real live birth.
- Viperids – A category that encompasses adders, vipers, as well as rattlesnakes. All viperids are poisonous producing a hematoxic venom which targets the blood of its victim and tissues.
Viviparous – It is a term used to describe animals that give birth live without any internal egg structure that is present for the development of the offspring. Recently, it was discovered that some species of snakes are viviparous, including the boa constrictor and the green anaconda.