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A snake that occurs in well vegetated areas, including cultivated areas among trees and shrubs, as well as in areas of sand and gravel where low shrubs and grasses occur
© National Museum of Qatar
Scientific Name: Psammophis schokari
Common Name: Schokari Sand Racer
Dimensions: Length: 150 cm
Medium: model
Registration Number: RPN.2018.0326
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The Psammophis schokari is a snake species with a body primarily colored in olive, tan, or beige, featuring dark stripes from its snout to the back of its head. It possesses a slender body with varying color patterns, an elongated head, and large golden-brown eyes with rounded pupils. This species comes in three main color forms: a striped variety with four dark stripes along its upper body, a non-striped version that may be unmarked or slightly dotted, and a rear-striped form with dark stripes only on its posterior, which converge toward the front. Notably, it has two non-venomous fang-like teeth in its upper jaw and two venomous fangs positioned at the level of its rear eye edge.
Habitat and Biology
The Psammophis schokari snake species inhabits well-vegetated areas, including cultivated spaces with trees and shrubs, as well as sandy and gravelly regions containing low shrubs and grasses. The diverse coloration it displays is an adaptation to its specific environment. Known as the Schokari Sand Racer, it is a highly agile predator active during the day. It can reach speeds of up to 16 km/hour and even climb trees to catch adult birds and their young. Its diet includes lizards, small birds, rodents, and other snakes, which it captures with a swift bite followed by a chewing motion to deliver venom. Despite being venomous, this snake species poses no danger to humans. When faced with threats, its defense mechanism involves utilizing its speed to flee from danger.
ECO System Qatar
Sand dune ecosystem: The crescent-shaped sand dunes are considered one of the prominent features of the terrestrial environment of the State of Qatar.In southern Qatar, huge sand dunes rise from the desert plain. These dunes are shaped by the wind and are constantly shifting. In certain conditions, the movement of sand grains creates a low humming sound. The dunes near Mesai’eed are one of the few places on Earth where this phenomenon of ‘singing’ sand dunes can be heard. The plants and animals that survive in the intense heat and unstable sands of the dunes are supremely well adapted to the challenging conditions.
PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH
Jennings, Michael C. (Author), Krupp, Friedhelm (Editor), Al-Suwaiyel, Mohammed bin Ibrahim (Preface By). (Series: Fauna of Arabia, Volume: 25). Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Arabia. Publisher: Karger Libri. 2010.2- Edgell, H.. (2006). Arabian Deserts: Nature, Origin and Evolution. 10.1007/1-4020-3970-0.
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