Reptiles and Amphibians

Bang Kachao hosts a diverse range of reptiles and amphibians. Monitor lizards bask in the sun along its waterways, while snakes like the reticulated python and the large-eyed pit viper slither through the undergrowth. Frogs and toads, including the Common asian toad, add to the area's rich tapestry of amphibian life.

Click on a photo to learn more about the animal.

Reptiles

Banded krait

Incredibly uncommon in the Bangkok area, the banded krait (Bungarus fasciatus) is a highly venomous elapid snake native to regions across Asia, ranging from the Indian subcontinent through Southeast Asia to southern China. This krait is the longest of its genus, reaching lengths over 2 meters (6 ft 7 in), and is recognized by its striking alternating black and yellow bands encircling the body. Though typically docile, the banded krait’s venom is highly neurotoxic, posing a lethal risk to humans. Although its venom's toxicity, based on LD50 studies, is lower than some other krait species, its larger size results in a greater venom yield. Key features include a broad, flattened head blending into the neck, black eyes, and distinctive yellow markings on the otherwise black head, with yellow lips, chin, throat, and a small tail that is about one-tenth of its body length. The longest recorded individual reached 2.25 meters (7 ft 5 in), though it is commonly found around 1.8 meters (5 ft 11 in).

Oriental garden lizard

The oriental garden lizard (Calotes versicolor), also known as the eastern garden lizard, Indian garden lizard, or changeable lizard, is an agamid lizard widely found in Indo-Malaya and introduced in other regions.

It is an insectivore, with males developing a bright red throat during breeding. Its body measures over 10 cm in length and reaches up to 37 cm when the tail is included. Coloration varies from uniform brownish to yellowish. Males display bright orange to crimson heads and shoulders during breeding, with black throats. Both genders sport a crest from head to tail, earning them the name "crested tree lizard."

Sunbeam snake

Xenopeltis unicolor, commonly referred to as the sunbeam snake or iridescent snake, is a non-venomous species native to Southeast Asia and parts of Indonesia. Known for its striking iridescent scales, this primitive snake is oviparous, laying up to 10 eggs at a time. It inhabits open areas such as forest clearings, gardens, parks, and rice paddies.

As constrictors, they subdue their prey by suffocation. Primarily fossorial, sunbeam snakes spend much of their time underground.

Malayan snail-eating turtle

The Malayan snail-eating turtle (Malayemys macrocephala) is a species in the Malayemys genus of the Geoemydidae family. It inhabits Cambodia, Myanmar, west Malaysia, and Thailand.

With a shell reaching up to 30cm long, it features three distinct ridges or "keels" along the top, while its edges and underside are yellowish. Its head is black with white or yellow lines curving around the eyes. Typically found in slow-moving bodies of water with muddy bottoms and abundant vegetation like marshes, swamps, rice paddies, and irrigation canals, this turtle primarily feeds on snails.

Golden tree snake

Chrysopelea ornata, also known as the golden tree snake or ornate flying snake, is a mildly venomous colubrid found in South and Southeast Asia. What makes this species distinctive is its ability to glide from tree to tree, a movement resembling controlled falling, used primarily to hunt prey or escape predators like birds or other reptiles. Three subspecies of this snake are currently recognized. Its vibrant appearance and unique gliding ability make it a popular species for captivity.

Southeast asian water monitor

The Asian water monitor (Varanus salvator) is a large lizard native to South and Southeast Asia, widely considered the second-largest lizard species. It ranges from eastern India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka to southern China, mainland Southeast Asia, and several islands including Sumatra, Borneo, and Java.

Known for its affinity for water, it inhabits areas near lakes, rivers, ponds, and urban waterways. An adept swimmer, it preys on fish, frogs, invertebrates, and aquatic birds.

Reticulated python

The reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) is a species of python found in South and Southeast Asia, recognized as the longest snake in the world and the third heaviest after the green anaconda and Burmese python.

It is listed as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List due to its extensive range. However, in several of these regions, it is hunted for its skin, used in traditional medicine, and kept as pets, making it one of the most economically significant reptiles globally.

This snake is a proficient swimmer and has been known to travel far out to sea, colonizing many small islands within its range. Like all pythons, it is a non-venomous constrictor. While fatalities involving humans are extremely rare, there have been reports of adult reticulated pythons killing, and in 3 reported cases, eating, humans. As with all snakes, treat them with the respect they deserve and they will not bother you.

Black marsh turtle

Siebenrockiella crassicollis, also known as black marsh turtle or smiling terrapin, is a freshwater turtle native to Southeast Asia. Identified by its predominantly black color with white to yellow markings on the head, it inhabits slow-moving or stagnant bodies of water abundant with vegetation.

Often kept as pets or revered in Buddhist temples, it is endangered by exploitation in the international wildlife trade, primarily for food and traditional medicine in Chinese markets.

Common house gecko

The common house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus), also called the Asian house gecko, Pacific house gecko, wall gecko, house lizard, tiktiki, chipkali, or moon lizard, is native to South and Southeast Asia as well as parts of Oceania. These geckos are nocturnal, hiding by day and actively seeking insects at night. Often found on the walls of buildings where lights attract their insect prey, they are easily recognized by their distinctive chirping calls.

Growing between 7.5–15 cm (3–6 in) in length, common house geckos live for around seven years. They are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans. While generally docile, larger individuals may bite if stressed, which could break skin. Being tropical creatures, they thrive in warm, humid environments and frequently inhabit urban areas, foraging on decaying wood and capturing insects. Highly adaptable, they often outcompete less resilient or more passive gecko species in shared habitats by preying on insects and spiders.

Long-tailed sun skink

Eutropis longicaudata, commonly known as the longtail mabuya or long-tailed sun skink, is a slender lizard with a long tail, found in southern China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Peninsular Malaysia.

Typically brown with dark stripes on each side, it measures up to 14cm from snout to body and up to 50 cm including its tail. It inhabits open forests or shrublands, but can adapt to human environments like empty lots. Often found above ground in trees, shrubs, and walls, it feeds on insects, worms, and occasionally plant material. Predators include large snakes and some birds of prey.

Large-eyed pit viper

Trimeresurus macrops, also known as the large-eyed pit viper, is a venomous species native to Southeast Asia. It is characterized by its notably large eyes, which are especially prominent in adults. This snake is found in northern Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and southern Vietnam. Its diet mainly consists of frogs and lizards, but it occasionally preys on small rodents and birds, typically waiting in low-lying bushes and on the ground for prey to move past. It is preyed upon by birds of prey and larger snakes.

The large-eyed pit viper's bite can be dangerous, causing significant pain, swelling, and tissue necrosis. While fatalities are rare, immediate medical attention is important for anyone bitten by this snake.

Asian box turtle

Asian box turtles, belonging to the genus Cuora in the family Geoemydidae, are found from China to Indonesia, including the Philippines and mainland Southeast Asia.

They inhabit terrestrial, semiaquatic, or mainly aquatic environments, often near shallow swamps or streams with dense vegetation. While most are omnivorous, some are carnivorous. Unfortunately, they are heavily trafficked.

Tokay gecko

The tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) is a nocturnal arboreal species native to Asia and certain Pacific Islands, including areas from northeast India to western New Guinea.

It inhabits rainforests, but adapts well to rural human dwellings, where it hunts insects on walls and ceilings at night. With an average length of 25–30 cm (40 cm in some cases), it ranks among the largest gecko species.

Known for aggression and territorial behavior, it can deliver a powerful bite.

Jack’s water snake

Jack’s water snake (Homalopsis mereljcoxi) is a large aquatic snake, reaching up to 137cm in length. Recognizable by its broad, brown head with dark eyestripes and distinctive markings, it has a robust, flattened body with alternating brown and light bands.

Found in various lowland water habitats, including rivers, lakes, and swamps, it hides in burrows during the day. Feeding primarily on fish, it may also consume crustaceans and frogs.

Red-eared slider

The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is a semiaquatic turtle belonging to the family Emydidae, a subspecies of the pond slider (Trachemys scripta).

It is highly popular as a pet, particularly in the United States, where it is the most commonly kept pet turtle. However, its popularity has led to widespread release, establishing invasive populations beyond its native range. As a result, it is considered one of the world's 100 most invasive species.

Small-banded kukri snake

Oligodon fasciolatus, also known as the small-banded kukri snake or fasciolated kukri snake, is a species of snake from the Colubridae family, native to Southeast Asia.

The term "kukri" refers to the sharpness of its teeth. This snake is noted for its behavior of eviscerating live poisonous toads, Duttaphrynus melanostictus, to avoid the toxic secretions of the toad. O. fasciolatus is found in southeastern Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, primarily inhabiting forested areas. It can grow to a length of up to 115 cm.

Yellow-headed temple turtle

The yellow-headed temple turtle (Heosemys annandalii) is a large endangered species native to Southeast Asia, with its commonly name reportedly coming from it often being found near Buddhist temples.

It can grow to over 51 cm in carapace length. Primarily aquatic and herbivorous, its trade was suspended by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in July 2012.

White-lipped pit viper

Trimeresurus albolabris, known as the white-lipped pit viper or white-lipped tree viper, is a venomous snake native to Southeast Asia. It is much less common in Bang Kachao than the similar large-eyed pit viper.

It preys on birds, small frogs, and small mammals, holding onto its prey until it succumbs, rather than striking and releasing. The venom of this species is mainly hemotoxic. While bites can result in anything from mild envenomation to severe outcomes, fatalities are very rare.

Siamese supple skink

The Siamese supple skink (Lygosoma siamensis) is a species of skink native to Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. While it naturally inhabits forests, it has also adapted to agricultural areas, city parks, and vacant lots. Typically, it can be found under rotting logs or in moist leaf litter and soil.

Its small legs facilitate movement through dirt and decaying vegetation. To evade predators, this skink folds its legs against its body and moves in a snake-like manner.

Common four-clawed gecko

Gehyra mutilata, known as the common four-clawed gecko, Pacific gecko, stump-toed gecko, or sugar gecko in Indonesia, is a species within the Gekkonidae family. This gecko is originally from Southeast Asia but has spread to regions like Sri Lanka, Indochina, and many Pacific islands. In appearance, G. mutilata is generally more plump than the commonly seen house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus), with soft, delicate skin. Its coloring is typically a gentle purplish or pinkish-gray, and younger geckos display golden spots, which gradually fade as they mature.