ANIMAL: Santa Catalina Island Rattleless Rattlesnake Crotalus catalinensis Type of Animal: Viper Habitat: Desert arroyos Location(s): Isla Santa Catalina in Gulf of California Appearance: 2 distinct color variations-more common one has light cream base w/ reddish-brown blotching down back & black/white banding around tail, other variant much lighter ash gray color w/ darker gray blotching, both variants lack rattles instead replaced w/ button, small species Food/Diet: Mice, lizards, birds Status in Wild: Critically Endangered Conservation: Breeding in zoos & wildlife centers. Eradication of cats & pigs. Lifestyle: Solitary Additional Info: Called: Male Female Young: Snakelet Group: Solitary Weight: Male: 7.44 oz Female: 7.51 oz Gestation: 3 months Life Span: 10 years Body Length: Male: 2.08-2.71 ft Female: 2.04-2.39 ft Young: 0.93 ft Tail Length: Male: 1.45-2.9 in Female: 1.15-2.59 in Young: 0.52-1.09 in Main predators are cats & pigs. Critically endangered due to introduced predators, restricted range, overcollection, poaching, habitat loss, persecution, climate change, & drought. Like all rattlesnakes, they’re ovoviviparous, w/ eggs hatching inside mom’s body, resulting in 1-6 live young. Coloration aids in camouflage. Can be active any time of day. Sexually mature at a year old. Before the arrival of cats & pigs, these small rattlers were apex predators on Isla Santa Catalina. Fun Fact(s): These snakes tend to be very docile but like all rattlesnakes are venomous/potentially dangerous. Scientists not completely sure on why these snakes lack rattles-1 reason may be lack of natural predators, another reason may relate to capturing arboreal prey. These are some of the best skilled climbers among rattlesnakes & loud rattle might hinder capturing arboreal prey. Scientists believe this species rose from much larger Red Diamond Rattlesnakes, which washed ashore on Isla Santa Catalina long ago.
