The Galápagos racer (Pseudalsophis biserialis ) is a colubrid snake in the genus Pseudalsophis that is endemic to the Galápagos Islands. It is a mildly venomous constrictor but it is not considered aggressive or harmful to humans. The two subspecies are the eastern and western racers, the latter being larger, longer, and darker than the former. The western subspecies specializes in hunting fish, while both subspecies eat small reptiles, eggs, rodents, and bird hatchlings. The Galapagos racer is near threatened due to recently introduced species that feed on snake eggs, including pigs, rats, mice, and cats. It is one of only three species of snakes on the Galápagos Islands, and it was first described in 1860. In November 2016, a video clip from the BBC series Planet Earth II showing a group of Galápagos racers hunting marine iguana hatchlings became a viral trend.
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CrepuscularCrepuscular animals are those that are active primarily during twilight (that is, the periods of dawn and dusk). This is distinguished from diurnal...
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CarnivoreA carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a...
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
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OviparousOviparous animals are female animals that lay their eggs, with little or no other embryonic development within the mother. This is the reproductive...
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PrecocialPrecocial species are those in which the young are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching. Precocial species are normall...
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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...
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Mildly venomousMildly venomous animals produce venom, which they use to kill or disable prey, defend themselves from predators or conspecifics, or in agonistic en...
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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.
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starts withThe Galápagos racer is a mildly venomous constrictor but it is not considered aggressive or harmful to humans. The two subspecies are the eastern and western racers, the latter being larger, longer, and darker than the former. It is one of only three species of snakes on the Galápagos Islands, and it was first described in 1860.
These snakes can be found only in the Galápagos Islands where they inhabit dry forests, shrubland, and rural gardens.
Galápagos racers are solitary creatures and prefer to spend time singly. They are most active around dawn and dusk and usually rest around midday. They are one of the fastest snakes but when hunting they rely not only on their speed. Galápagos racers use their cryptic coloration when preying and also their acute sight.
Galápagos racers are carnivores that feed mainly on small reptiles, eggs, rodents, bird hatchlings, and fish.
Little information is known about the mating system and reproductive habits of this species.
Galapagos racers are near threatened due to recently introduced species like pigs, rats, mice, and cats that feed on snake eggs.
The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Galápagos racer total population size. Currently, this species is classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List.