The Banded krait (Bungarus fasciatus) is the largest species of kraits, with a maximum length up to 2.7 m (8 ft 10 in).
Although the banded krait is venomous and its bite may be deadly to humans, it is shy, primarily nocturnal, and not particularly aggressive so its overall risk to humans is low.
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NocturnalNocturnality is an animal behavior characterized by being active during the night and sleeping during the day. The common adjective is "nocturnal",...
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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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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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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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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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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...
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DangerousDangerous animals demonstrate aggression and a propensity to attack or harass people or other animals without provocation.
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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 Banded krait is easily identified by its alternate black and yellow crossbands, its triangular body cross-section, and the marked vertebral ridge consisting of enlarged vertebral shields along its body. The head is broad and depressed. The eyes are black. It has arrowhead-like yellow markings on its otherwise black head and has yellow lips, lores, chin, and throat.
Banded kraits occur in the whole of the Indo-Chinese subregion, the Malay peninsula and Indonesian archipelago, and southern China. These snakes have been recorded eastwards from central India through Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and southern China (including Hong Kong) to Malaysia and the main Indonesian islands of Borneo (Java and Sumatra), as well as Singapore. Banded kraits may be seen in a variety of habitats, from dry and moist deciduous forests, mangrove vegetation, and tropical scrub to agricultural lands. They inhabit termite mounds and rodent holes close to water, and often live near human settlements, especially villages, because of their supply of rodents and water. They prefer the open plains of the countryside.
Banded kraits are shy, not typically seen, and lead a solitary life. They are mainly nocturnal. During the day, these snakes lie up in grass, pits, or drains. They are most commonly seen in the rain. Banded kraits are lethargic and sluggish even under provocation. When harassed, they will usually hide their heads under their coil and do not generally attempt to bite, though at night they are much more active and widely considered to be more dangerous then.
The venom of the Banded krait mainly contains neurotoxins (pre- and postsynaptic neurotoxins). The quantity of venom delivered averages out at 20-114 mg. The major clinical effects caused by the venom of this species include vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and dizziness. Severe envenomation can lead to respiratory failure and death may occur due to suffocation. Banded krait venom can damage the kidneys if injected. A clinical toxicology study gives an untreated mortality rate of 1–10%, which may be because contact with humans is rare and when bites do occur, the rate of envenomation when biting defensively is thought to be very low. Currently, polyvalent antivenoms are available in India and Indonesia.
Banded kraits are carnivores and feed mainly on other snakes such as the Sunbeam snake, Rainbow water snake, Red-tailed pipe snake, Indo-Chinese rat snake, Cat snake, and others. However, they may also eat fish, frogs, skinks, and snake eggs.
Little is known about the breeding habits of Banded kraits. Females lay around 4-14 eggs which they incubate and guard until they hatch. These snakes are believed to become adults in the third year of their life, at an approximate length of 914 mm.
The main threats to Banded kraits include persecution and road mortality.
According to IUCN, the Banded krait is locally common and widespread 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.
Banded kraits are often found near human settlements due to the presence of rats, mice, and other rodents and help control their populations. This also benefits the farmers.