Quick answer
IUCN status: Least ConcernOriental Whipsnake at a glance
The Oriental Whipsnake (Ahaetulla prasina) is a reptile in the family Colubridae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from West Java, Bali, Central Java. Diet: predator of small vertebrates (lizards, frogs, nestling birds); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Ahaetulla prasina |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Ular gadung |
| Group | Reptiles |
| Family | Colubridae |
| Observation records | West Java, Bali, Central Java |
| Taxonomic group | Squamata |
| GBIF records | 988 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — predator of small vertebrates (lizards, frogs, nestling birds) · Ecology Asia |
| Reproduction | Ovoviviparity: eggs hatch inside the mother and live young are born · Reptile Database |
| Venom or poison | Mildly venomous (weak venom for people) · The Reptile Database: Ahaetulla prasina |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · Ahaetulla prasina – The Reptile Database |
In this guide (12)
What is the Oriental Whipsnake?
Oriental Whipsnake refers to Ahaetulla prasina, in the genus Ahaetulla, family Colubridae, and class Squamata. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the Oriental Whipsnake?
The oriental whipsnake is exceptionally slender and often found in vegetation; green colour alone cannot separate it from other tree snakes.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Oriental Whipsnake?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 988 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include West Java, Bali, Central Java. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the Oriental Whipsnake?
A safe-distance photograph can record body, head and tail pattern and locality without handling the animal. Colour alone cannot establish whether a snake is venomous; seek local professional help if there is risk. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare Oriental Whipsnake with Painted Bronzeback, Common Wolf Snake, Indo-Chinese Rat Snake. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Scientific classification of the Oriental Whipsnake
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Colubridae |
| Genus | Ahaetulla |
| Species | Ahaetulla prasina |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Oriental Whipsnake
What is the scientific name of the Oriental Whipsnake?
The scientific name of the Oriental Whipsnake is Ahaetulla prasina, in the family Colubridae. In Indonesian it is called Ular gadung.
What kind of animal is the Oriental Whipsnake?
The Oriental Whipsnake is a reptile in the family Colubridae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a predator of small vertebrates (lizards, frogs, nestling birds).
Where does the Oriental Whipsnake live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Oriental Whipsnake summarised in this guide mainly come from West Java, Bali, Central Java. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the Oriental Whipsnake eat?
The Oriental Whipsnake is a predator of small vertebrates (lizards, frogs, nestling birds). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: Ecology Asia.
How does the Oriental Whipsnake reproduce?
The Oriental Whipsnake reproduces by ovoviviparity: eggs hatch inside the mother and live young are born. Gives birth to live young; the eggs hatch inside the mother rather than being laid. Source: Reptile Database.
Is the Oriental Whipsnake venomous?
Yes. The Oriental Whipsnake is mildly venomous (weak venom for people). A rear-fanged snake; its venom is weak for people, but a bite can still cause a wound and swelling. Source: The Reptile Database: Ahaetulla prasina.
Do not catch, handle or disturb wild animals. If bitten, stung or exposed to its toxins, go to the nearest health facility straight away.
Is the Oriental Whipsnake nocturnal?
The cited source records the Oriental Whipsnake as diurnal (active by day). Source: Ahaetulla prasina – The Reptile Database.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the Oriental Whipsnake?
Scientific classification of the Oriental Whipsnake: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, order Squamata, family Colubridae, genus Ahaetulla, species Ahaetulla prasina.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Oriental Whipsnake endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Oriental Whipsnake is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Oriental Whipsnake is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- Ecology Asia ↗
- Reptile Database ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Oriental Whipsnake (Ahaetulla prasina). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/ahaetulla-prasina/