Daudin's bronzeback
The Common bronzeback (Dendrelaphis tristis) is a species of tree snake found in South and Southeast Asia. They are non-venomous and entirely harmless to humans.
The Common bronzeback is a long, slender snake with a pointed head and a bronze-colored line running right down its back. It has big eyes and its tail is fully prehensile.
Common bronzebacks are found in Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, and Bhutan. They inhabit dry forests, wet montane forests, and the Himalayan foothills. They can also occur in rural and urban areas in gardens and parks.
Common bronzebacks are arboreal and prefer the tree tops to life on the ground. They are camouflaged (made invisible by means of protective coloring) among the leaves because of their uniform ruddy brown skin. Common bronzebacks are active and quick snakes, both on the ground as well as in the trees. They are active during the day and spend their time hunting prey and basking in the sun.
Common bronzebacks are carnivores. They feed on geckos, birds, and occasionally frogs.
Female Common bronzebacks are oviparous (egg-laying) snakes and lay their eggs in tree hollows between September and February. The clutch consists of 6 to 7 eggs and young typically hatch 4-6 weeks after laying.
Common bronzeback snakes don't face any major threats at present; however, they are frequently killed by locals when encountered being mistaken for venomous species.
According to the IUCN Red List, the Common bronzeback is common throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.