Aruba Island Rattlesnake
Crotalus unicolor
|
|
Range and habitat:
This snake inhabits the hilly regions in the
southeastern portion of the island of Aruba, Dutch
Caribbean, and they live largely within the confines of the national
park Arikok.
Natural diet:
The Aruba Island rattlesnake eats whiptail lizards
and rodents.
Size / weight range:
This species grows to be less than three
feet long, and it weighs about 1-1.2 pounds in the wild. These snakes
grow to be larger in zoo settings.
Interesting Facts:
The word unicolor in the snake’s scientific
name describes the light uniform pastel white to gray ground color of
many of these snakes. The rattlesnake breeds in January and February and
the mothers give birth in July or August. Courting males tend to spend
significant time with single females during the mating season. This mate
attention is unusual in rattlesnakes.
The Aruba Island rattlesnake is recognized on Aruba as a special species. It is on their 25 Florin note, equivalent to $14.25 US. This snake is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN's Red Data List), and it is listed as Threatened by the US ESA. The Toledo Zoo has been instrumental in developing conservation efforts for this species. It manages the Species Survival Plan program and has worked on Aruba with the Government and NGOs for almost 20 years.
Location at The Toledo Zoo:
The Reptile House
Click here to view over 100 other animal fact pages offered by The Toledo Zoo