The King Rat Snake (Elaphe carinata) is a large colubrid snake found in Taiwan, Vietnam, China, and other regions. When threatened, it releases a liquid with a distinctive odor, which is why it is called “臭蛇” (Shūda, or “stinking snake”) in Japanese.
In Japan, it is found only on Yonaguni Island and is considered a unique subspecies known as the Yonaguni King Rat Snake (Elaphe carinata yonaguniensis) due to its pale coloration. This snake is one of the largest in Japan, reaching a maximum length of about 240 cm. It preys on frogs, mice, lizards, and even other snakes, earning it the English name “King Rat Snake.”
I observed these snakes in mid-October. With the low temperatures in the mornings and evenings, I was uncertain if I would see any, but they emerged along the paths around the rice fields at dusk. Continuing my herping, I encountered many individuals at various times, including early morning, evening, and night.
However, this species is not only very fast but also has a fierce temperament, making it difficult to approach with a macro lens. The only one that allowed me to photograph it slowly was a young juvenile.
Traveling to Japan’s westernmost Yonaguni Island to see these snakes in their natural habitat was an unforgettable experience. The herping on Yonaguni Island was absolutely amazing.
