Balkan Whip Snake
It typically exhibits basic colouring in tones of grey or olive-brown.
The Balkan Whip Snake (Hierophis gemonensis) is a slender, medium-sized snake, typically of a length that rarely exceeds one metre.
It typically exhibits basic colouring in tones of grey or olive-brown.
This snake is characterised as fast and nervous, actively hunting at ground level while displaying adept climbing skills on bushes and low trees. Its diet consists primarily of lizards, invertebrates, and small rodents, but it can also prey on small snakes or bird chicks.
The conservation status of the species is categorised as favourable.
Information: http://herpatlas.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Atlas_Amphibians_and_Reptiles_of_Greece.pdf
Text editing: DiscoverCrete Editorial Team
Photos: Georgiakakis,P. / Natural History Museum of Crete – University of Crete
The fauna of Crete
Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus Barbatus)Griffon Vulture (Gyps Fulvus)Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni)Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata) (Hieraaetus fasciatus)Eleonora's FalconThe European Rabbit or ConeyGiorgalidiko: Domestic Horse, North-western European HorseThe Cretan BadgerGolden Eagle (Aquila Chrysaetos)Mute SwanCretan wildcatButterflies and Moths of the islandCretan Tracker: Europe's Oldest Hound, a Gift from ZeusCretan shrewKri-kri, the Cretan Wild Goat (Capra aegagrus cretica)Least WeaselBatsEuropean Fat/Edible DormouseThe Balkan Terrapin or Western Caspian Terrapin (Mauremys Rivulata)Cat SnakeMarginated Tortoise (Testudo marginata)Greek turtleWater SnakeEuropean Ratsnake or Leopard SnakeThe BullfrogThe European Green ToadCommon KingfisherCaretta Caretta (Loggerhead Sea Turtle)ColeopteraFossil Vertebrates of CreteHippopotamus creutzburgiAthene cretensisElephas chaniensisEndemic Pleistocene mammalsDeinotherium giganteum