Scientific name

Elaphe climacophora

Elaphe climacophora is a distinct species; the albino individuals of Iwakuni belong to this same species. [1][2]

Origin

Japan and Kunashir Island. [1]

  • Semi-arboreal
  • Japan
  • Exploration

At a glance

ADULT SIZE100–160 cm
Total length published by Kyoto Zoo [2].
LIFESPAN15 years and +
Breeder estimate, not a validated average [3].
LIFESTYLEGround and branches
Strong tendency to climb according to Kyoto Zoo [2].

Adult size

100–160 cm in total length according to Kyoto Zoo. [2]

Lifespan

The breeder published by ReptileTalk suggests 15 years or more; this is not an established zoological average. [3]

Lifestyle

Frequently climbs and also moves on the ground. [2]

Housing

ROOM TO EXPLORE

Branches and shelters — Layout described by the breeder; an individual minimum size still needs clarification [3].

The breeder’s experience favours a large space with branches, shelters and accessible water; no universal minimum is validated here. [3]

Care parameters

AMBIENT CONDITIONS · BREEDING

25–28 °C — Experience report, measurement protocol not detailed [3].

WARM ZONE · BREEDING

28 °C — Air/surface nature not specified by the author [3].

Humidity

Not established — The breeding source does not measure humidity; no percentage is adopted [3].

Husbandry ambient conditions

25–28 °C. [3] Breeder experience, without a detailed measurement protocol.

Warm zone

28 °C. [3] The source does not specify air or surface.

Humidity

Target not established. The breeding source states that humidity is not measured.

Night

No verified value. Document minimums without inferring them from another rat snake.

Feeding

AN APPROPRIATE DIET

Kyoto Zoo describes birds, eggs and small mammals in its natural diet. The breeder published by ReptileTalk uses thawed rodents. [2][3]

Feeding

Kyoto Zoo describes birds, eggs and small mammals in its natural diet. The breeder published by ReptileTalk uses thawed rodents. [2][3]

Behaviour and precautions

The breeding account is one individual’s experience, not a veterinary standard. No humidity figure is reproduced: its author did not measure it. [3]

Useful records

Record mass, accepted or refused meals, sheds and probe locations. A measurement benefits from being accompanied by its time and zone. Compare observations over time; an unusual change warrants veterinary advice.

Checklist

  • Check closures and supports.
  • Identify every measurement zone.
  • Keep provenance data.

Observations to record

  • Meals
  • Weight
  • Sheds
  • Temperatures

The app provides individual animal records. Check which features are available for your animal in the released version.

Related guides

Original guides in French

Sources

Document-based overview; not a substitute for veterinary advice.

  1. The Reptile Database — Elaphe climacophora
    Source accessed
  2. Zoo municipal de Kyoto — Japanese Rat Snake
    Source accessed
  3. Sylphie’s Reptiles, ReptileTalk — Japanese Ratsnake
    Source accessed