zong's odd-scaled snake
National Parks/ Sanctuaries
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Common Names
zong's odd-scaled snake
Regions
China
Population
1,000
Habitat
moist, dense forests at high elevations
Weight(in lbs) and Life Span
20–30 grams (0.7–1 o... and 10–12 years in the wild
Regions
China
The Zong's Odd-scaled Snake (Achalinus jinggangensis) is a small, elusive snake endemic to the mountainous forests of Jiangxi Province, China. Known for its unique, iridescent scales that lack the typical overlap seen in most snakes, it has a dark brown to black coloration, which provides excellent camouflage in forest leaf litter. This snake grows up to 30 cm in length and weighs between 20 and 30 grams. As a ground-dwelling species, it feeds primarily on small invertebrates found in the forest floor. With a restricted range and specialized habitat, the Zong's Odd-scaled Snake faces threats from deforestation and habitat fragmentation. Climate change further endangers this species by altering the humidity and temperature of its montane forest environment. Conservation efforts to protect and maintain the integrity of China’s montane forests are crucial for the survival of this unique and rare snake.
Activity Instructions
- Draw the Animal: Use the next page to draw a picture of the animal. Use your imagination and make it colorful!
- Write an Essay: Write a short essay about the conservation efforts to save this animal. Here are some questions to guide you:
- Why is this species important in its ecosystem?
- What are the threats it faces, and how can we help?
- What do you find most interesting about this species?
