There are two new residents to look out for on your next visit to Terra Natura Benidorm.
The wildlife park has welcomed a male and female mandarin rat snake, Euprepiophis mandarinus, and hopes the pair will eventually breed.
Both snakes are four years old and have joined the park through its collaboration with the Centro Nacional de Animales Venenosos (CNAV).
They have completed the usual quarantine and settling-in period and can now be seen together in the park’s snake exhibition.
A particularly colourful snake
Mandarin rat snakes come from mountainous areas of central and southern China and northern Vietnam.
They are easy to recognise thanks to their distinctive mix of orange, yellow, black and brown markings.
Terra Natura says compatible males and females can live together successfully under controlled conditions, allowing the park to house its new arrivals in the same enclosure.
Keeping them together will also give the team the opportunity to encourage breeding and learn more about their behaviour.
Under appropriate care, mandarin rat snakes can live for around 18 years.
Part of Terra Natura’s conservation work
The two snakes arrived through Terra Natura Benidorm’s work with the Centro Nacional de Animales Venenosos.
The organisations collaborate on conservation, animal care, research and public education about different species.
For visitors, the new arrivals offer another opportunity to learn about snakes and see their behaviour at close quarters.
Terra Natura Benidorm already has more than 20 species in its venomous snake collection, including black mambas, king cobras, puff adders and monocled cobras.
The park also works on breeding programmes as part of its wider conservation activities.
Planning a visit?
Terra Natura Benidorm is next to Aqua Natura, on Partida Foia del Verdader in Benidorm.
Opening times can vary according to the season, so it is worth checking the park’s official website before setting off.
Terra Natura Benidorm official website
Bridging the Gap’s recap
- What’s new: A pair of mandarin rat snakes
- Scientific name: Euprepiophis mandarinus
- Age: Four years old
- Where: Terra Natura Benidorm
- Originally from: Central and southern China and northern Vietnam
- Why they are together: The park hopes to encourage breeding
- Lifespan: Around 18 years under appropriate care
- Snake collection: Terra Natura has more than 20 species in its venomous snake exhibition
- Visitor information: Check the official Terra Natura Benidorm website for current opening times and ticket information
