brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis)

The brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) is an arboreal, non-venomous snake native to parts of Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. It is about 1.5 to 2.5 meters long, with a slender body and distinctive brown and black zigzag patterns. This snake is an adept climber and primarily feeds on birds, lizards, and small mammals. Introduced accidentally to Guam in the 1940s, it caused severe ecological damage by preying on native species, leading to the extinction of several bird species. Its presence highlights challenges related to invasive species and their impact on local ecosystems.