タイワンハブ （トカゲ目クサリヘビ科） Protobothrops mucrosqumatus 英名 (English name) Taiwan pitvipers
・レッドデータなどの指定なし
タイワンハブは台湾、海南島、中国大陸の一部が本来の分布域です。沖縄へは台湾から輸入されてたものが逃げだし、定着しています。1970年代から1990年代まで大量に輸入されていたようです。1993年に名護市の野外で初めて確認され、現在は読谷村、恩納村、名護市、今帰仁村にかけての地域で定着が確認されています。資材や農産物に紛れて移動したと考えられる個体も報告されています。つい最近、国頭村の路上でも目撃されており、やんばる地域へ生息域が広がることが懸念されています。
体長は最大で130cmほどになります。体色や模様はサキシマハブに似ていますが、頭部はやや細長い印象です。写真のように落ち葉の上では体の斑紋がよく溶け込み、発見が難しい場合があります。餌は小型哺乳類、鳥類、カエル類、トカゲ類など幅広く捕食するとされます。在来のハブに比べて攻撃的な印象があります。
生態系への影響が懸念される事はもちろんですが、同時に生息域の拡大は住民生活の安全にとっても大きな脅威です。そのためタイワンハブは外来生物法に基づき特定外来生物に指定され、飼育や移動、放逐などが禁止されています。
The Taiwan pitvipers (Protobothrops mucrosqumatus) is native to Taiwan, Hainan Island, and parts of mainland China. In Okinawa, it became established after individuals imported from Taiwan escaped. Large numbers were imported between the 1970s and 1990s. The species was first confirmed in the wild in Nago City in 1993, and it is now established in areas spanning Yomitan Village, Onna Village, Nago City, and Nakijin Village. There have also been reports of individuals believed to have been transported accidentally along with materials or agricultural products. Very recently, one was sighted on a road in Kunigami Village, raising concerns that its range may expand into the Yanbaru region.
The snake can grow up to about 130 cm in length. Its coloration and patterns resemble those of the Sakishima habu, but its head appears somewhat more elongated. As seen in the photograph, its body markings blend well with fallen leaves, making it difficult to spot. It is reported to prey on a wide variety of animals, including small mammals, birds, frogs, and lizards. Compared to the native habu, it is considered to have a more aggressive temperament.
In addition to the serious concerns about its impact on the ecosystem, the expansion of its range poses a significant threat to the safety of local residents. For this reason, the Taiwan habu has been designated as a “Specified Invasive Alien Species” under the Invasive Alien Species Act, and its breeding, transport, and release are strictly prohibited.
The snake can grow up to about 130 cm in length. Its coloration and patterns resemble those of the Sakishima habu, but its head appears somewhat more elongated. As seen in the photograph, its body markings blend well with fallen leaves, making it difficult to spot. It is reported to prey on a wide variety of animals, including small mammals, birds, frogs, and lizards. Compared to the native habu, it is considered to have a more aggressive temperament.
In addition to the serious concerns about its impact on the ecosystem, the expansion of its range poses a significant threat to the safety of local residents. For this reason, the Taiwan habu has been designated as a “Specified Invasive Alien Species” under the Invasive Alien Species Act, and its breeding, transport, and release are strictly prohibited.
