THE RAREST SNAKE IN
THE WORLD IS FOUND
IN SAINT LUCIA
37
The Saint Lucia Racer also
known as Kouwes
Snake(Leimadophis ornatus),
is non-venomous and world's rarest snake.
Once common in Saint Lucia,
Conservationists say there are only 18 left in
the world and are found in a mangoose-free
zone on Maria Islet.
Photo Credit: Kurt Bauschardt/Flickr
HOME TO THE MOST
DANGEROUS SNAKE IN
THE CARIBBEAN
38
The Saint Lucia Fer-de-
Lance which is French for
'spearhead' or 'iron of the
lance' is also known as the St. Lucia viper
(Bothrops caribbaeus). They are very
poisonous and considered the most
dangerous snake found in the Caribbean
and Central and South America.
Photo Credit: cuatrok77/Flickr
https://www.fauna-flora.org/news/the-saint-lucia-racer-takes-the-title-of-
worlds-rarest-snake . st-lucia-racer-takes-the-title-of-worlds-rarest-snake
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/wildlife/9390977/Extinct-
Caribbean-racer-snake-discovered-in-St-Lucia.html
https://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndpeter/33569944852/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/briangratwicke/14345970152/
https://theculturetrip.com/caribbean/st-lucia/articles/where-to-see-st-
lucias-incredible-wildlife/ check flicker for images
https://theculturetrip.com/caribbean/st-lucia/articles/where-to-see-st-
lucias-incredible-wildlife
In St.Lucia, bites from this snake are very
rare as they can be found only within a few
drier areas along the central east and west
coasts. It is said that their bite causes more
human deaths than any other reptile in the
Americas. The Fer-de-Lance can grow to
over nine feet.