Encyclopaedia
ReptileTerrestrialAdvanced
©AI Generated·Proprietary
Tokara habu
Protobothrops tokarensis
A highly venomous pit viper endemic to the Tokara Islands of Japan. Characterized by a slender body, its exceptionally nervous temperament requires extreme caution and care.
Class:Squamata
Order:Squamata
Family:Viperidae
Subfamily:Crotalinae
Genus:Protobothrops
Species:Protobothrops tokarensis
Share
Check out Tokara habu on Atlarium
Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
65 - 80 %
Day temperature
20 - 30 °C
Ambient temperature
20 - 30 °C
Night temperature
20 - 22 °C
Basking spot
28 - 30 °C
Adult size
150 cm
Minimum enclosure
>= 200 L
UVB
Low
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Protobothrops tokarensis, commonly known as the Tokara habu, is endemic to the small volcanic islands of Takarajima and Kotakarajima in the Tokara island group of Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. It inhabits subtropical forests, coastal grasslands, agricultural areas, and the margins of human settlements. It prefers humid microhabitats, often sheltering in volcanic rock crevices, dense undergrowth, and dry stone walls where prey is abundant.
Taxonomy and Genetics: It belongs to the family Viperidae and the subfamily Crotalinae (pit vipers). Genetically, it is closely related to the larger Protobothrops flavoviridis, of which it was previously classified as a subspecies. However, genetic and morphological analyses have confirmed its status as a distinct species. There are no recognized subspecies. It is classified as vulnerable due to its extremely small, island-bound geographic range and low genetic diversity.
Behavior and Habits: The Tokara habu is primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, though it may occasionally bask or be active during overcast days or the breeding season. As an ambush predator, it relies on its loreal pits to detect the infrared body heat of small mammals, birds, and lizards in total darkness. It is a highly nervous and defensive snake; when threatened, it quickly coils into an 'S' shape and strikes with remarkable speed.
Morphology: It has a slender, elongated body and a triangular head that is distinct from its neck. Adults typically reach a total length of 100 to 150 cm. The eyes have vertical slit pupils, and heat-sensitive pit organs are located between the nostrils and the eyes. The background color ranges from pale gray to light brown, marked with dark, transverse bands or blotches bordered in black. The ventral scales are pale with darker mottling.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: As this is a highly venomous species, the terrarium must be constructed of escape-proof materials and fitted with secure keyed locks. A minimum enclosure volume of 300 liters is required for an adult. The substrate should consist of damp peat moss or coco coir. Provide sturdy climbing branches and multiple tight hiding spots, such as hollow logs or plastic snake caves, in both the warm and cool zones of the enclosure.
Lighting and Heating: A thermal gradient must be maintained with a warm zone at 28-30°C and a cool zone at 23-24°C during the day. Nighttime temperatures can drop to 20-22°C. Heating should be supplied using a regulated under-tank heat mat or a ceramic heat emitter protected by a wire guard to prevent burns. UVB lighting is not strictly required, but a 12-hour light cycle should be maintained.
Humidity and Hydration: Coming from a humid island environment, it requires a relative humidity of 70% to 85%. Mist the enclosure daily with room-temperature water. A heavy, stable water bowl must be available at all times, large enough for the snake to submerge its entire body to facilitate shedding.
Feeding and Supplementation: In captivity, they feed readily on appropriately sized rodents (mice or small rats). Feed juveniles every 7-10 days and adults every 14-20 days. Food should be offered using long feeding tongs to prevent accidental bites. Regular supplementation is not necessary if the rodents are healthy and well-fed.
Compatibility: This species is solitary and must be housed individually. Cohabitation is highly discouraged except for monitored breeding purposes, as they may injure each other or exhibit cannibalism. Handling must be kept to an absolute minimum and should only be attempted by experienced keepers using hooks and safety tubes.
Health and Common Diseases: Common health issues include dysecdysis (incomplete shedding) due to low humidity, respiratory infections from cold and damp conditions without proper ventilation, and mouth rot (infectious stomatitis). Because of the danger associated with their venom, medical treatment must be carried out by a specialized veterinarian equipped to handle venomous reptiles.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Protobothrops tokarensis, commonly known as the Tokara habu, is endemic to the small volcanic islands of Takarajima and Kotakarajima in the Tokara island group of Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. It inhabits subtropical forests, coastal grasslands, agricultural areas, and the margins of human settlements. It prefers humid microhabitats, often sheltering in volcanic rock crevices, dense undergrowth, and dry stone walls where prey is abundant.
Origin
North AmericaEast Asia
Reptile profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 150 cm
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
The catalog's scalar value is 150 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 150 cm for this species, recorded as total length (TL). These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
