Western false smooth snake explained

The western false smooth snake or Iberian false smooth snake (Macroprotodon brevis) is a species of snake in the family Colubridae.

Feeding habits

The species feeds exclusively on vertebrates, mainly reptiles, and mostly long-bodied prey which are burrowers or live under rocks.^[1]

Some aspects of its morphology and feeding habits suggest that it is not nocturnal, but rather lives under rocks.

Geographic range

M. brevis is found on the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco.

Habitat

The natural habitats of M. brevis include evergreen temperate forests and Mediterranean-style scrubland.

Conservation status

M. brevis is threatened by habitat loss, largely the result of agriculture, and faces some threat from the wild boar.

Further reading

• Günther A (1862). "On new Species of Snakes in the Collection of the British Museum". Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., Third Series 9: 52–59. (Coronella brevis, new species, p. 58).

Notes and References

1. Book: PLEGUEZUELOS, J. Herpetological journal. British Herpetological society. 1994. London. 98–105.