Palawan Wolf Snake

 

Adult Palawan Wolf Snake

    

    The Palawan Wolf Snake (Lycodon sealei), also known as the Seale's Banded Asian Wolf Snake, is a non-venomous snake in the family Colubridae endemic to Palawan. Although the species distribution in Palawan appears to be widespread, limited data are available on its ecology, behavior, population status, and other information beyond taxonomic records, reflecting the species rarity and limited field studies.

Subadult Palawan Wolf Snake

    

    Lycodon sealei exhibits a banded dorsal pattern, consisting of light crossbands on a darker background. Juveniles display distinct crossbands that gradually darken as they mature in some individuals. Its diet remains poorly documented due to the limited ecological studies on this endemic Palawan species, but as with other species in the genus Lycodon, it is expected to prey primarily on small, easily subdued vertebrates such as lizards like geckos and skinks, frogs, and possibly ground-dwelling birds and eggs. These prey types are typical for the genus, evident in related species that rely on constriction and enlarged teeth rather than venom to subdue food.

    

Adult Palawan Wolf Snake

    

    Lycodon sealei shows adaptability to habitat modification, including secondary and disturbed forests, and it seems to prefer lowland forest to primary and high-elevation forests. Most of our finds were found in the second-growth forests, pockets of trees in agricultural areas, near swamps, rivers, and small streams. We found a few close to human settlements in Aborlan and Brooke's Point. It is primarily nocturnal and oftentimes found hunting for food on the ground.