JARGON BUSTER

people are already wary of snakes, so this doesn’t help their reputation. We encountered a L. madagascariensis near human settlement that was trapped in fine fishing net, causing a constriction wound, dehydration, and exhaustion. The snake could still just about move once freed and I certainly hope it recovered after. The fishing net appeared to have been discarded perhaps on purpose. It’s sad to think of snakes perishing in this way, but it makes sense culturally for rural Malagasy people to see them as a pest when they come scavenging and intruding on human dwellings.

The individuals I encountered seemed to be used to human activity, judging from their strong reactions. They’re very perceptive animals and will often sit in the classic snake ‘periscope’ posture when nearby and will then bolt into the undergrowth.

The venom of these snakes is only delivered by the rear teeth, like other hognose species and many Colubrids. It isn’t known to be life threatening but will still cause uncomfortable swelling so is best avoided. Luckily, we had giant hognose veteran herpetologist, Dr Randall Morrison on board. The snakes were caught as part of a monitoring project run by Operation Wallacea, in which the snakes are measured, microchipped, and coated in a UV powder so their movements can be tracked both day and night. It’s an interesting project looking into their territoriality, nest defence behaviour and general movements using GPS mapping.

As far as I’m aware, not much is known about their natural history and habits in situ, hence the studies into their courtship and breeding. Some wild-caught individuals are brought into the trade from time to time, as with just about every other species of Malagasy herpetofauna. If wild-caught individuals can be kept appropriately and successfully bred, this may be a good step forward in ensuring the species’ persistence and reducing the demand for import. These beautiful snakes are threatened by the continuing habitat destruction and human development on the island but are currently listed as a Least Concern species due to their wide range and adaptability to disturbed habitat.

The tail end

Hognose snakes are an extremely diverse group of reptiles. Western hognoses can make incredible pets for those that have the time and patience to ensure that all their needs are met and that they are comfortable in their enclosures. These animals occupy a niche sector of reptile keeping, where despite being adorable to confident keepers, children and the next generation of reptile lovers are likely to be intimidated by their defensive behaviours. Although it’s unlikely we will ever see hognoses become as popular as corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) and royal pythons (Python regius), for those that know what they are doing, Western hognoses may well be one of the best, most rewarding pet snakes available. With expert breeders now branching into completely different genera as they expand their interests in hognoses, there are exciting times ahead for researching, breeding and the conservation of hognose snakes all over the world.

Thanatosis –

The act of ‘playing dead’ as a defensive manoeuvre (from the Greek word ‘thanatos’ meaning ‘put to death’)

Opisthoglyphous –‘Rear-fanged’ (from the Greek word ‘glyphein’ meaning ‘to engrave’)

Het –

Has an ‘inherited trait’ from its parents but doesn’t display the gene itself

Duvernoys glands –a ‘primitive’ venom gland (usually present as a fully developed venom gland in vipers etc)