Seychelles House Snake: A Real Species, Not Created

Lycognathophis seychellensis: Natural Species

The Seychelles House Snake (Lycognathophis seychellensis) is not a created or artificial animal. It is a genuine, naturally occurring snake species endemic to the Seychelles archipelago.

Taxonomy & Distribution

• Family: Lamprophiidae
• Genus: Lycognathophis (monotypic)
• Range: Granitic Seychelles (Mahé, Praslin, Silhouette, La Digue, etc.)
• Habitat: Forests, gardens, plantations, near human habitation ("house snake")

Characteristics

• Length: Up to 1.2 m (4 ft)
• Color: Brown/gray with darker markings; pale belly
• Diet: Lizards, geckos, small rodents, frogs
• Behavior: Nocturnal, terrestrial, harmless to humans (non-venomous)
• Reproduction: Oviparous (lays eggs)

Conservation

• IUCN: Least Concern (stable population, adaptable)
• Threats: Habitat loss, invasive species (tenrecs, cats), roadkill
• Protected under Seychelles law (Wild Animals and Birds Protection Act)

Like all Seychelles endemics, it evolved in isolation over millions of years—a product of natural selection, not human creation.