Asian vine snake
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Natural History
Asian vine snakes are adapted for life in the trees. Their green color camouflages them as they lurk through branches. These snakes have been known to dart into the water after a fish while still anchored to a branch—much like a yo-yo. Keyhole-shaped horizontal pupils and intense binocular vision helps vine snakes accurately strike prey items. Since these snakes are unusually slim (about the width of a thumb), they are light enough to move from branch to branch with half of their body in midair.
Conservation
Rain forests are sources of large amounts of medicinal drugs and are homes to an estimated two thirds of all animals (including vine snakes) and plant species on Earth. Heavy logging and clearing for urban housing and agricultural purposes are destroying rain forests at an alarming rate. At one time rainforests covered 14% of the Earth’s surface. Now it’s estimated that less than half of those areas remain, with only 6% of the Earth being rainforests. As a result, biologists estimate that tens of thousands of species are becoming extinct each year due to habitat destruction.
Cool Facts
The Asian vine snake is a "rear fanged" reptile, meaning that its large fangs that aid in delivering venom are set back in its jaw. The venom is not dangerous to humans but a bite would probably cause discomfort for a few weeks.