Common name: Black-headed Cat Snake
Scientific name: Telescopus nigriceps
Family: Colubridae

Size:
Total length: 60–100 cm

Identification:
A slender, elongated snake with a slightly flattened head that is clearly distinct from the body. The eyes are moderately large with vertical pupils, giving it a characteristic “cat-like” appearance. The head is typically dark brown to black, strongly contrasting with the lighter body. Coloration of the body ranges from grey to beige or light brown, marked with irregular darker blotches or bands that help with camouflage among rocks. The scales are smooth, and the overall appearance is sleek and adapted for movement in rocky terrain.

Habitat:
Dry and semi-arid environments including rocky hillsides, wadis, desert plains, and stony slopes. Often associated with areas that provide crevices, stones, and loose rock where it can hide during the day.

Status in Lebanon:
Native but rarely encountered. Its nocturnal and secretive nature makes it easy to overlook, and it is likely under-recorded.

Diet:
Carnivorous — feeds mainly on lizards, small mammals, and occasionally birds.

Behavior:
Nocturnal and highly secretive. Spends most of the day hidden under rocks or within crevices, emerging at night to hunt. It is a mildly venomous species with rear fangs, used to subdue prey, but it poses no significant threat to humans. Generally calm and prefers to retreat rather than confront threats.

Conservation status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)