Common name: Mediterranean Cat Snake
Scientific name: Telescopus fallax syriacus
Family: Colubridae

Size:
Total length: 70–100 cm

Identification:
A slender, medium-sized snake with a slightly flattened head and large eyes featuring vertical pupils, giving it a “cat-like” appearance. The coloration is typically grey to brown with darker blotches or bands along the body. The pattern can vary, helping it blend into rocky environments. The scales are smooth, and the body appears flexible and agile.

Habitat:
Rocky hillsides, dry stone walls, scrublands, forest edges, and mountainous areas. Often associated with human structures such as ruins and terraces.

Status in Lebanon:
Native and locally present. Found mainly in rocky and semi-arid habitats, often overlooked due to its nocturnal behavior.

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

Behavior:
Nocturnal and secretive. An excellent climber, often found on rocks, walls, or low vegetation at night. Moves slowly and deliberately. Mildly venomous, using rear fangs to subdue prey, but not considered dangerous to humans.

Conservation status:
Least Concern (Telescopus fallax, IUCN Red List)
Subspecies Telescopus fallax syriacus not separately assessed