# Indo-Chinese Rat Snake

> Indo-Chinese Rat Snake (Ptyas korros). The Indo-Chinese rat snake is a Southeast Asian ratsnake; the common name does not imply every individual eats only rodents.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/ptyas-korros/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/ptyas-korros/
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**Review status:** This guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

## Quick answer

The Indo-Chinese Rat Snake (*Ptyas korros*) is a reptile in the family Colubridae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from West Java, Bali, Central Java. Diet: predator of rats, frogs and other small vertebrates; a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Near Threatened.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Ptyas korros* |
| Indonesian name | Ular Jali |
| Group | Reptiles |
| Family | Colubridae |
| Observation records | West Java, Bali, Central Java |
| Taxonomic group | Squamata |
| GBIF records | 273 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Near Threatened · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/5224050) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — predator of rats, frogs and other small vertebrates · [Ecology Asia](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/indo-chinese_rat_snake.htm) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · [Reptile Database](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Ptyas&species=korros) |
| Venom or poison | Not venomous · [WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia (2016), Guidelines for the management of snakebites, 2nd ed., section 3.2.3 'Non-venomous snakes'](https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/249547) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · [ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/ReptTraits_a_comprehensive_database_of_ecological_traits_in_reptiles/24572683) |

## What is the Indo-Chinese Rat Snake?

Indo-Chinese Rat Snake refers to Ptyas korros, in the genus Ptyas, 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.

Evidence: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/5224050)

## What is known about the Indo-Chinese Rat Snake?

The Indo-Chinese rat snake is a Southeast Asian ratsnake; the common name does not imply every individual eats only rodents.

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](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptyas%20korros)

## Habitat and field observations of the Indo-Chinese Rat Snake

Two individuals in a West Sumatran survey were found in the morning in cultivated and plantation areas. That small, local sample is an encounter example, not a measure of habitat preference across the range.

Evidence: [Teynié, David & Ohler (2010) — Western Sumatra herpetofauna field study](https://mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.2416.1.1)

## How many Indonesian records name the Indo-Chinese Rat Snake?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 273 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](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=5224050&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## 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](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=5224050&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## How can you observe the Indo-Chinese Rat Snake?

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 Indo-Chinese Rat Snake with Oriental Whipsnake, Painted Bronzeback, Common Wolf 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 Indo-Chinese Rat Snake

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Colubridae |
| Genus | *Ptyas* |
| Species | *Ptyas korros* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Indo-Chinese Rat Snake

### What is the scientific name of the Indo-Chinese Rat Snake?

The scientific name of the Indo-Chinese Rat Snake is *Ptyas korros*, in the family Colubridae. In Indonesian it is called Ular Jali.

### What kind of animal is the Indo-Chinese Rat Snake?

The Indo-Chinese Rat Snake is a reptile in the family Colubridae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a predator of rats, frogs and other small vertebrates.

### Where does the Indo-Chinese Rat Snake live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Indo-Chinese Rat Snake summarised in this guide mainly come from West Java, Bali, Central Java. That list is not a complete range map.

### What does the Indo-Chinese Rat Snake eat?

The Indo-Chinese Rat Snake is a predator of rats, frogs and other small vertebrates. That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: [Ecology Asia](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/indo-chinese_rat_snake.htm).

### How does the Indo-Chinese Rat Snake reproduce?

The Indo-Chinese Rat Snake reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: [Reptile Database](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Ptyas&species=korros).

### Is the Indo-Chinese Rat Snake venomous?

No. The Indo-Chinese Rat Snake is not venomous. WHO groups Ptyas rat snakes with non-venomous or only trivially venomous snakes; a bite can still cause a wound. Source: [WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia (2016), Guidelines for the management of snakebites, 2nd ed., section 3.2.3 'Non-venomous snakes'](https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/249547).

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 Indo-Chinese Rat Snake nocturnal?

The cited source records the Indo-Chinese Rat Snake as diurnal (active by day). Source: [ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/ReptTraits_a_comprehensive_database_of_ecological_traits_in_reptiles/24572683).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of the Indo-Chinese Rat Snake?

Scientific classification of the Indo-Chinese Rat Snake: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, order Squamata, family Colubridae, genus *Ptyas*, species *Ptyas korros*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Indo-Chinese Rat Snake endangered?

Not yet in a threatened category, but close to one. On the IUCN Red List, the Indo-Chinese Rat Snake is listed as Near Threatened: it is close to qualifying, or likely to qualify, for a threatened category in the near future. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/5224050), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Indo-Chinese Rat Snake is a protected species, consult the current national list of [protected species](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/protected/) or contact the local [BKSDA](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/) (natural resources conservation office).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/5224050)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=5224050&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [Teynié, David & Ohler (2010) — Western Sumatra herpetofauna field study](https://mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.2416.1.1)
4. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/28870)
5. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptyas%20korros)
6. [Ecology Asia](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/indo-chinese_rat_snake.htm)
7. [Reptile Database](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Ptyas&species=korros)
8. [ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/ReptTraits_a_comprehensive_database_of_ecological_traits_in_reptiles/24572683)
9. [WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia (2016), Guidelines for the management of snakebites, 2nd ed., section 3.2.3 'Non-venomous snakes'](https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/249547)
10. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Keep exploring

- [Oriental Whipsnake](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/ahaetulla-prasina/)
- [Painted Bronzeback](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/dendrelaphis-pictus/)
- [Common Wolf Snake](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/lycodon-capucinus/)
- [Puff-faced Water Snake](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/homalopsis-buccata/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Indo-Chinese Rat Snake. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/ptyas-korros/