The Hispaniola racer or Hispaniolan brown racer (Haitiophis anomalus) is a snake[2] that is endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola (split between the Dominican Republic and Haiti).[3] It is monotypic in the genus Haitiophis.
At an average length of 2 meters (6 ft 7 in), H. anomalus is the largest colubrid snake in the Americas, and the longest snake species in the West Indies. True to its name, it is brown in coloration, with a pale yellow underbelly.[1][4]
Behavioredit
When cornered, individuals may produce a hood and rear up, similar to many Old World cobras. The species may also strike; however, it is non-venomous.[4]
Dietedit
H. anomalus has a varied diet. Frogs and lizards (particularly Anolis species) are the most common prey item; however, individuals have also been recorded to prey on smooth-billed ani (Crotophaga ani), house mouse (Mus musculus) and native boas (Chilabothrus sp.). Pursuits of juvenile rhinoceros iguanas (Cyclura cornuta) and rats (Rattus sp.) have also been recorded. While hunting, it has been recorded to wait at the exit hole of iguana burrows.[4]
Distribution and habitatedit
The historic range of H. anomalusis believed to be island-wide; however, its range has heavily contracted over time. The majority of the racer's range lies in the Dominican Republic, where it is found in the southwest of the country (in the arid areas surrounding Lake Enriquillo, Pedernales Province, and Isla Beata) as well as a relict population in Monte Cristi Province. In Haiti, the racer is only known to exist on Tortuga. The Hispaniola racer is primarily found in xeric open-thorn forest, as well as transitional areas into oases and river valleys.
Threatsedit
Agricultural expansion, deforestation for charcoal production (especially in Haiti), and predation from invasive species, such as feral cats (Felis catus) and small Indian mongooses (Urva auropunctata) are all factors that have resulted in the range and population reduction of H. anomalus. Predation from the native red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is inferred, but has not been recorded.
Referencesedit
^ abInchaustegui, S.; Landestoy, M.; Henderson, R.W. (2017) [errata version of 2016 assessment]. "Haitiophis anomalus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T190577A115326673. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T190577A71748221.en. Retrieved 3 October 2018.
^Haitiophis at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 5 December 2016.
^Haitiophis anomalus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 5 December 2016.
^ abcLandestoy T., Miguel A.; Henderson, Robert W.; Rupp, Ernst; Marte, Cristian; Ortíz, Robert A. (2013-09-01). "Notes on the natural history of the Hispaniolan Brown Racer, Haitiophis anomalus (Squamata; Dipsadidae), in the southern Dominican Republic". Reptiles & Amphibians. 20 (3): 130–139. doi:10.17161/randa.v20i3.13950. ISSN 2332-4961.
December 15, 2023
hispaniola, racer, hispaniolan, brown, racer, haitiophis, anomalus, snake, that, endemic, caribbean, island, hispaniola, split, between, dominican, republic, haiti, monotypic, genus, haitiophis, conservation, statusvulnerable, iucn, scientific, classificationd. The Hispaniola racer or Hispaniolan brown racer Haitiophis anomalus is a snake 2 that is endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola split between the Dominican Republic and Haiti 3 It is monotypic in the genus Haitiophis Hispaniola racerConservation statusVulnerable IUCN 3 1 1 Scientific classificationDomain EukaryotaKingdom AnimaliaPhylum ChordataClass ReptiliaOrder SquamataSuborder SerpentesFamily ColubridaeGenus HaitiophisHedges amp Vidal 2009Species H anomalusBinomial nameHaitiophis anomalus Peters 1863 SynonymsZamenis anomalus Dromicus anomalus Alsophis anomalus Ocyophis anomalus Caraiba anomala Contents 1 Description 1 1 Behavior 2 Diet 3 Distribution and habitat 4 Threats 5 ReferencesDescription editAt an average length of 2 meters 6 ft 7 in H anomalus is the largest colubrid snake in the Americas and the longest snake species in the West Indies True to its name it is brown in coloration with a pale yellow underbelly 1 4 Behavior edit When cornered individuals may produce a hood and rear up similar to many Old World cobras The species may also strike however it is non venomous 4 Diet editH anomalus has a varied diet Frogs and lizards particularly Anolis species are the most common prey item however individuals have also been recorded to prey on smooth billed ani Crotophaga ani house mouse Mus musculus and native boas Chilabothrus sp Pursuits of juvenile rhinoceros iguanas Cyclura cornuta and rats Rattus sp have also been recorded While hunting it has been recorded to wait at the exit hole of iguana burrows 4 Distribution and habitat editThe historic range of H anomalusis believed to be island wide however its range has heavily contracted over time The majority of the racer s range lies in the Dominican Republic where it is found in the southwest of the country in the arid areas surrounding Lake Enriquillo Pedernales Province and Isla Beata as well as a relict population in Monte Cristi Province In Haiti the racer is only known to exist on Tortuga The Hispaniola racer is primarily found in xeric open thorn forest as well as transitional areas into oases and river valleys Threats editAgricultural expansion deforestation for charcoal production especially in Haiti and predation from invasive species such as feral cats Felis catus and small Indian mongooses Urva auropunctata are all factors that have resulted in the range and population reduction of H anomalus Predation from the native red tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis is inferred but has not been recorded References edit a b Inchaustegui S Landestoy M Henderson R W 2017 errata version of 2016 assessment Haitiophis anomalus IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016 e T190577A115326673 doi 10 2305 IUCN UK 2016 3 RLTS T190577A71748221 en Retrieved 3 October 2018 Haitiophis at the Reptarium cz Reptile Database Accessed 5 December 2016 Haitiophis anomalus at the Reptarium cz Reptile Database Accessed 5 December 2016 a b c Landestoy T Miguel A Henderson Robert W Rupp Ernst Marte Cristian Ortiz Robert A 2013 09 01 Notes on the natural history of the Hispaniolan Brown Racer Haitiophis anomalus Squamata Dipsadidae in the southern Dominican Republic Reptiles amp Amphibians 20 3 130 139 doi 10 17161 randa v20i3 13950 ISSN 2332 4961 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Hispaniola racer amp oldid 1189664230, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
