The largest snake in the Maltese islands is the western whip snake – it can grow to a length of 150cm!

Known in Maltese as is-serp iswed, it is the most common snake in Malta. It lives in dry places along the valley sides, maquis and open rocky ground, where it is occasionally found basking on rocks or rubble walls.

As its Maltese name suggests, it is a black snake. It then has a light grey or a yellowish underside. It has a rounded snout, large eyes with a round pupil, and a long tapering tail. It usually feeds on lizards, mice, shrews, young birds, smaller snakes, frogs and large insects.

Although some people are afraid or dislike snakes, native reptiles are part of our Maltese heritage and should be safeguarded. The western whip snake, like all native snakes, has been protected in Malta since 1992. One should not pursue, take, kill or keep these fascinating reptiles.

Such snake is considered to be of importance across Europe, such that it is protected through regional legislation.

According to a report compiled by Mepa in connection with the EC Habitats Directive, the population status of the western whip snake is considered to be favourable and positive trends have been predicted.

Should you require more information, please contact nature. requests@mepa.org.mt.

The United Nations declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity. Malta together with many other countries around the globe is carrying out a number of initiatives to celebrate life on earth and the value of biodiversity for our lives.

We are all invited to take action in 2010 to safeguard the variety of life on earth: biodiversity.