Sunslinks

The only known native snake species to the island, the Sunslink is non-poisonous. Like most other species of snakes, they are carnivorous; their diet consisting mainly of frogs, reptiles, including other snakes, and small mammals, like mice and squirrels. With the encroachment of outsiders onto the eastern part of the island, they have all but retreated to the western half, only a handful of nests remaining within the section of the Yuriba Forest that extends between the village to the foothills at the base of Akibimi-san and Engetsu-san.

Physical Description

The Sunslink grows to about 1m (3ft 4in) in length on average. Its head is wedge shaped, the scales made up of large plates, while its dorsal scales are slightly smaller. The sunslinks derive their name from their odd colouration; their scales are the colour of burnished brass, and highly reflective, making them fairly easy to spot during the day, or the night. They do not have fangs, and instead have powerful muscles within their body to help them coil and constrict around their prey.

Habitat and Behaviour

Sunslinks are highly uncomfortable around built up areas, preferring to remain within the forests. With increased development within the forest however, they are increasingly rare to find. Their nests are most often underneath rocks or fallen trees, and often contain upwards of ten individuals. Two parents, and roughly six to ten offspring. Unlike most other animals, the Sunslinks only requirement for where they build a nest is that it be underneath something, and that they have ample escape routes if needed.

With no fangs, or venom, the Sunslink relies on stealth and ambush attacking. Surprisingly apt climbers, they have been known to climb into trees and onto low hanging branches to wait patiently until suitable prey passes underneath. They have also been known to actually slither into squirrel holes and wait in ambush there.