Ángel de la Guarda Island speckled rattlesnake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ángel de la Guarda Island speckled rattlesnake |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Crotalus
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| Species: |
angelensis
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| Location of Ángel de la Guarda Island | |
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The Ángel de la Guarda Island speckled rattlesnake is a special kind of snake. It is also known by its scientific name, Crotalus angelensis. This snake lives only on Ángel de la Guarda Island in Mexico. It is a type of pitviper, which means it is venomous. Sometimes, scientists think it might be a subspecies of another rattlesnake, Crotalus mitchellii.
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About the Ángel de la Guarda Island Rattlesnake
What Does It Look Like?
These rattlesnakes can grow quite long. They can reach up to about 137 centimeters (or 4.5 feet) in length.
Where Does It Live?
This snake lives only on one island. That island is called Isla Ángel de la Guarda. It is located in the Gulf of California, which is part of Mexico. Scientists first found this snake about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) southeast of Refugio Bay on the island. This spot was about 1,500 feet (457 meters) above sea level.
What Kind of Home Does It Like?
The Ángel de la Guarda Island rattlesnake lives in different places on the island. You can find it on gravelly beaches near the ocean. It also lives in rocky dry riverbeds called arroyos and washes. Sometimes, it climbs up the hillsides of the island's middle areas. It can live from sea level all the way up to 500 meters (about 1,640 feet) high.
Protecting This Rattlesnake
Is It in Danger?
Good news! This snake is not considered to be in danger of disappearing. The IUCN (a group that tracks animal populations) lists it as "Least Concern". This means there are plenty of these snakes.
Why Is It Safe?
Even though it lives in a small area, there are many of these snakes on the island. Also, the island where it lives is a protected area. This helps keep the snakes and their home safe.
