Thelotornis kirtlandii (Hallowell, 1844)

Pauwels, Olivier S. G., Morelle, Stephan, Albert, Jean-Louis, Carlino, Piero, Rahola, Nil & Trape, Jean-François, 2019, New reptile records from Lékédi Park and Haut-Ogooué Province, southeastern Gabon, Amphibian & Reptile Conservation (e 174) 13 (1), pp. 143-161 : 151

Thelotornis kirtlandii (Hallowell, 1844)

Fig. 21 shows an individual displaying the typical defensive posture, photographed on 27 June 2016 at 10h00 by SM in Lékédi Park. New record for the Dept. and for the park (not listed from the Dept. by Pauwels and Vande weghe 2008). The species was first recorded from Haut-Ogooué Prov. by Pauwels et al. (2007). This snake, which avoids primary forests and lives mostly in clearings and cultivated areas, is one of the most commonly encountered species in Gabon.

Figures

Fig. 21. Adult Thelotornis kirtlandii in defensive posture in Lékédi Park, Haut-Ogooué Prov., southeastern Gabon. Photograph by S. Morelle.