The Italian Aesculapian (Zamenis lineatus) ,is a snake of the family of the colubridae endemic of southern Italy and Sicily.
It is present in the areas of central and southern Campania. It was spotted in Valle delle Ferriere and thanks to the peculiar characteristics of the area with its vegetation, hydrographic and thermal properties and good overall condition it can be defined as an optimum area for conservation of the species and its long term survival.
The species inhabits areas with Mediterranean vegetation and both deciduous and evergreen forests. It feeds mainly on birds and rodents. The species is diurnal and lives an active life from April to September. The main factors of threat to the survival of this snake are represented: from destruction (cuts, fires) and degradation of the areas in the Mediterranean scrub and woodland.
The Italian Aesculapian reaches the length of about 2 meters. The color of the snake is yellowish-brown. The color of the iris is often red.
Photo gallery
Notes
“Monitoraggio del patrimonio di biodiversità. Analisi per la gestione delle risorse ambientali per la conservazione della biodiversità” affidato ad Agriconsulting S.p.A dall’Ente Parco Regionale dei Monti Lattari