The snakes feed on lizards, birds, small mammals, and eggs. Its variable upper parts can be several shades of brown, ranging from pale brown to almost black, while its underside is pale cream-yellow, often with orange or grey splotches. But what the snake has done to Guam's wildlife is the real ecological horror story. In Guam, this species has devestated native populations of forrest birds and could further jeopardize the dwindling native species in Hawaii if allowed to establish populations on these islands. Small mammals, lizards, birds and eggs make up the brown tree snake's native diet. Although snakes are usually found in vegetation, they can be encountered almost anywhere. If one pregnant snake escaped into the brush, however, it could damage the natural fauna of Hawaii as well as its tourist industry. The brown treesnake is native to parts of Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and Australia. I really like your proposed solution – I think it kills a lot of snakes with one stone, so to speak, by providing income to locals and incentive for removal, as well as theoretically bringing down costs of removal. Photo by Gordon Rodda; DOI, United States Geological Survey. Both constriction and venom are used to help immobilize prey. Spotlights. Occasionally the snake may appear olive-colored or have black speckling along its body. The brown tree snake Boiga irregularis provides a startling example of the negative effects invasive species can have on indigenous fauna. The adult eastern brown snake is up to 2 m (7 ft) long with a slender build. The snakes tend to travel along power lines on the island, causing frequent power outages. Unanswered Questions. Report to the Congress: Control of the Brown Tree Snake (BTS) (Aug 2008) (PDF | 60 KB) DOD. The snake was first sighted on the island of Guam in the 1950s, probably after stowing away on cargo ships coming from New Guinea. If the brown treesnake gets to any other snake-free islands, it will find a veritable banquet of prey animals — and the same thing could happen there as happened on Guam. The eastern brown snake … The brown tree snake also causes extensive economic problems on Guam and has had a negative impact on Guam's human population. Brown tree snakes can be identified by their slender bodies and their light brown coloration. Facts About the Brown Tree Snake ... Brown tree snakes can be identified by their slender bodies and their light brown coloration. The abandoned eggs hatch about 90 days later. The brown tree snake of Guam is a slithering, voracious invader: a frightening nuisance for those in its path. This snake is a rear-fanged semiconstrictor and is mildly poisonous. It’s essential to get ahead of the curve and implement prevention efforts at the get-go, before an alien species becomes a problem. For this reason, the United States has become engaged in the struggle to control and eradicate the brown tree snake. The eastern brown snake is … Brown Tree Snake, The "cat eyes" appearance is a distinguishing characteristic. Habits. The venom of the brown tree snake is only mildly poisonous and is conducted by large, ridged rear teeth instead of fangs. Brown snakes are fairly abundant because of their ability to live in a wide variety of habitats. The brown treesnake spends most days coiled in a cool and dark location, such as a treetop or a rotted log. A young victim of a brown treesnake bite should receive immediate medical attention. Its variable upper parts can be several shades of brown, ranging from pale brown to almost black, while its underside is pale cream-yellow, often with orange or grey splotches. Brown tree snakes have been reportedly sighted (but not established) in Hawaii, Texas, and Oklahoma. The name brown snake refers to two different genera of snakes, found on two different continents. Case Study: Brown Tree Snake. Occasionally the snake may appear olive-colored or have black speckling along its body. The adult eastern brown snake is up to 2 m (7 ft) long with a slender build. Has a human ever been mailed via the United States Postal Service? Most brown treesnakes are 3 to 4 feet long.