The Aruba Island rattlesnake (Crotalus unicolor) is a venomous pitviper species. It is native to the island of Aruba and is among the rarest rattlesnakes in the world.
Cr
CrepuscularCrepuscular animals are those that are active primarily during twilight (that is, the periods of dawn and dusk). This is distinguished from diurnal...
Ca
CarnivoreA carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a...
Is
Island endemicIsland endemic animals are found in a single defined geographic location, such as an island. Animals or organisms that are indigenous to a place ar...
Te
TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
Ov
OviparousOviparous animals are female animals that lay their eggs, with little or no other embryonic development within the mother. This is the reproductive...
Pr
PrecocialPrecocial species are those in which the young are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching. Precocial species are normall...
Pr
PredatorPredators are animals that kill and eat other organisms, their prey. Predators may actively search for or pursue prey or wait for it, often conceal...
Po
PolygynandryPolygynandry is a mating system in which both males and females have multiple mating partners during a breeding season.
Ve
VenomousVenom is a type of poison, especially one secreted by an animal. It is delivered in a bite, sting, or similar action. Venom has evolved in terrestr...
So
SolitaryNo
Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
A
starts withAruba Island rattlesnake is light brown, tan, or almost pink in color, reflecting the soil color of its native habitat, with darker brown diamond-shaped markings, but colors may vary from white to apricot, or brown to slate. The markings are sometimes nearly invisible, or can only be seen in a narrow stripe down the middle of the back.
These snakes are found only on the Caribbean island of Aruba, off the coast of Venezuela. They live in sandy, rocky, and arid hillsides, thorn scrub, and desert habitats on the southeastern half of the island.
Aruba Island rattlesnakes are solitary and meet only during the breeding season to mate or when males fight with each other for access to females. These snakes are usually active early in the morning and late in the evening. They hunt using their acute sight, smell, and heat-sensitive pits which are also thought to help in locating cooler areas for rest. Aruba Island rattlesnakes are not aggressive by nature and will strike only if cornered or threatened.
Aruba Island rattlesnakes are carnivores and prey on various rodents, birds, and lizards.
Aruba Island rattlesnakes are polygynandrous (promiscuous) meaning that both the males and the females have multiple partners during the mating season. These snakes usually breed between September and January. After a gestation period of 4 months, females give birth to between 5 and 15 live young at a time. They don't provide any parental care and the young are independent from the moment of birth. Males usually become reproductively mature in 4 years, while females are ready to reproduce when they are 5 years old.
Due to the extremely limited geographic range, the main threat to this species is the loss of the native habitat with only about 25 square kilometers left undeveloped. This happened due to the development of agricultural areas, resorts, and tourism. Other serious threats include poaching for rattles and the pet trade.
According to the Wikipedia resource, the total population size of the Aruba Island rattlesnake is about 230 individuals. Presently, this species is not included in the IUCN Red List and its conservation status has not been evaluated.
