Family : COLUBRIDAE
Species : Oligodon mouhoti
Maximum Size : 34 cm

Mouhot's Kukri Snake (also known as 'Cambodian Kukri Snake') is one of the smallest of the genus Oligodon. It inhabits lowland forests and disturbed habitats, including secondary scrub and rice paddy.

Its body is pale brown or tan in colour, with a lighter vertebral stripe, and the tail is orange-brown.

The patterning on the head and the dark markings on the tail are sufficient to identify the species in the field. The underside is orange or red, with dark blotches; this may be visible if the snake curls up the tip of its tail in what appears to be a warning posture.

This snake is fully terrestrial, and appears to be both diurnal and nocturnal. Its diet is unknown.

This small snake is known to occur in Thailand, Cambodia and southern Vietnam.

Figs 1 to 3 : Example from lowland mixed habitat near Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi province, Thailand.  Photos thanks to Charles Currin.


References :

Das, I., 2010. A Field Guide to the Reptiles of South-east Asia. New Holland Publishers (UK) Ltd.