Taiwanese krait, Chinese krait
The Many-banded krait (Bungarus multicinctus) is a highly venomous species of elapid snake found in much of central and southern China and Southeast Asia. It was first described by the scientist Edward Blyth in 1861. Based on numerous studies, the Many-banded krait is among the most venomous land snakes in the world.
The Many-banded krait is a medium to large-sized species of snake. Its body is slender and moderately compressed. The scales of this species are smooth and glossy, with a noticeably distinct vertebral ridge. The color of the snake is black to dark bluish-black with approximately 21-30 white or creamy white cross bands along the entire length of its upper body. More banding is seen in longer than average-sized specimens. The tail is short and pointed, which is also black in color with alternating white cross bands, of which there are 7-11. The belly of the snake is usually white in color, but could be an off white or creamy white. The head is primarily black in color, is broad and oval in shape, but flat and slightly distinct from the body. The eyes are small and black in color. The pupils are black, thus making them hardly noticeable as they blend in with the rest of the eyes. This species has large nostrils. The fangs are small, fixed and are located in the anterior of the upper jaw. Juveniles of this species usually have whitish blotches on the lower side of their heads.
Many-banded kraits are found in much of central and southern China and Southeast Asia. They occur in Taiwan (including the Archipelagos of Matsu and Kinmen), in the central and southern regions of China (in the provinces of Hainan, Anhui, Sichuan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, Hubei, Yunnan, Guizhou, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, and Fujian), Hong Kong, Myanmar (Burma), Laos, and northern Vietnam. They may also be found in Thailand. Although these snakes prefer lowland areas, they also occur in mountainous areas and mostly inhabit subtropical, marshy regions throughout their range. They are also frequently found in shrublands, woodlands, agricultural fields, and mangroves, often adjacent to water, such as rivers, streams, rice paddies, and ditches. They may also sometimes be found in villages and suburban areas.
Many-banded kraits are solitary creatures. They are nocturnal and may be more defensive at night. They are timid and placid snakes, however, if threatened they may strike from multiple directions and usually do so without warning signs. During the day, Many-banded kraits usually hide under stones or in holes. They are active from April and retreat into hibernation in November.
The venom of the Many-banded krait consists of both pre- and postsynaptic neurotoxins (known as α-bungarotoxins and β-bungarotoxins, among others). By weight, almost half of the protein content of the venom is composed of β-bungarotoxins. The average venom yield from specimens kept on snake farms is about 4.6 mg-19.4 mg per bite. The venom is highly toxic. The local symptoms of victims bitten by the Many-banded krait are usually neither serious swelling nor pain; the victims merely feel slightly itchy and numb. Systemic symptoms occur, in general, one to six hours after being bitten by this snake. Symptoms may include bilateral ptosis, diplopia, discomfort in the chest, general ache, weak feeling in limbs, ataxia, glossolysis, loss of voice, dysphagia, tunnel vision, and difficulty breathing. In case of serious bite, suppression of breathing may occur, leading to death. Hyponatremia is also seen, but less commonly. Estimated mortality rates associated with untreated bites from this species vary between studies from 25-35% to 70-100%. During the Vietnam War, American soldiers referred to the many-banded krait as the "two-step snake," in the mistaken belief that its venom was lethal enough to kill within two steps.
These snakes are carnivores (piscivores). They feed mainly on fish, but also prey on other species of snakes, including members of their own species. Many-banded kraits also eat rodents, eels, frogs, and occasionally lizards.
Many-banded kraits are oviparous which means that they lay eggs. Mating occurs between the months of August and September. Females usually deposit 3-15 eggs, although up to 20 eggs can also be produced. The eggs are laid in late spring or early summer, usually in the month of June. Eggs usually hatch about a month and a half later and baby snakes measure around 25 cm (9.8 in) in length.
Many-banded kraits are threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation. In some parts of their range, these snakes also suffer from overcollection for medicinal use.
The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Many-banded krait total population size. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List but its numbers today are decreasing.
