Haltung und Nachzucht der Inselkletternatter Elaphe climacophora [BOIE, 1826].

The article describes the behavior and breeding of the island climbing snake Elaphe climacophora. The species was popular in terrariums for a long time but lost popularity with the emergence of Asian climbing snakes. The island climbing snake is a monotypic species of the genus Elaphe and has specific characteristics such as keeled dorsals and ventral keels. It inhabits the Japanese archipelago and is adaptable to different habitats. The species is diurnal and feeds on birds, mice, and rats. The island climbing snake hibernates for about 2-5 months and lays its eggs in decaying wood or compost heaps. In terrariums, they are relatively peaceful but can suddenly bite. There are different color and pattern variations of the species. The author of the article keeps two females and one male of this endangered species and regularly breeds them. The animals are kept in terrariums and fed thawed rats. During hibernation, they are kept in plastic boxes with moist moss. The mating season begins in March, and the male attempts to fertilize the female. After mating, the male's hemipenis swells and there is a thickening of the female's cloacal region. During this time, the animals should not be disturbed. After about 40 days, the female lays the eggs and defends them against disturbances. The eggs are incubated in a moist and warm wet box, and the hatchlings emerge after approximately 80 days. The island climbing snake is a recommended and beautiful snake that adapts well to terrarium keeping. [Extracted from the article]