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Common Name : Sri Lankan Flying Snake     -       Scientific Name : Chrysopelea taprobanica       -       Other Name : Striped Flying Snake (E), Dangara Danda (S)
Kumbuk Wila
01/31/2016
Kumbuk Wila
01/31/2016

This is a mildly venomous species, which is endemic to the country. It is found mostly in the dry zone and at some localities in the intermediate zone. The Ornate Flying Snake Chrysopelea ornate sinhaleya is only found in the wet zone jungles. Two species of snakes belonging to this genus are found in the country.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

These snakes are referred to as flying snakes due to their ability to glide from one tree to another by flattening themselves. It is a mildly venomous snake but its venom has no effect on humans and would not even cause any swelling. I have caught many in the wild and they would seldom bite.
I have seen this species at Yala, Udawalawa and Lunugamvehera National parks.

In Wilpattu I have seen this species at Hunuwilagama and Kumbuk Wila.