Moshe Kapuri documented a rare battle when a Schokari sand racer snake tried to hunt a Schreiber’s fringe-fingered lizard round Hadera Beach. Watch the footage of the wrestle between the 2:
Schokari sand racer tries to hunt a Schreiber’s fringe-fingered lizard
(Video: Moshe Kapuri)
Dotan Rotem, an open-space ecologist on the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, described the snake. “The Schokari sand racer is a slender snake. Its full size ranges between 80 and 140 centimeters, it has 4 darkish stripes alongside its physique, and it seems in two shade variations, in darkish and lightweight colours. Its venomous fangs are situated on the rear a part of its mouth,” he explains.
Rotem added that this can be a snake that’s energetic through the day, and it primarily preys on reptiles and species of lizards. “It hunts by chasing and trapping the prey,” he stated. “This snake is energetic within the spring and fall, throughout humid months. The snake is likely one of the most agile snakes within the nation. Its venom isn’t harmful to people, however its chew could be painful. When there may be meals or hazard, it could possibly rise to enhance its field of regard.”
He additionally described the Schokari sand racer documented within the battle on the seashore. “In our case, the snake is looking a Schreiber’s fringe-fingered lizard, a species going through extinction,” he stated. “The title of the lizard is derived from the construction of its ft, that are formed like a comb, stopping it from sinking into mushy sand and enabling it to run at excessive speeds on a mushy and brittle floor.”
Rotem stated that the lizard could be seen all year long on sunny days with comfy temperatures. “During the nice and cozy afternoon hours, it hides within the shade of shrubs or in burrows. It is going through extinction as a result of most of its pure habitats have been destroyed on account of development and conversion of the land for agriculture. Its habitats will additional shrink sooner or later on account of urbanization,” he stated.
He didn’t rule out the chance that the snake remained hungry after the altercation. “The images taken doc a uncommon second of the hunt, though, primarily based on the resistance proven by the lizard, it’s attainable that the snake left it alone,” he stated. “With their motion, the snake and lizard entice potential predators like eagles, foxes and even dogs. Therefore, when walking with a canine, you will need to preserve it on a leash and forestall it from chasing wildlife,” he emphasised.
