The first specimen-based record of Elaphe climacophora from the Makuhari campus of Chiba Prefectural University of Health Sciences

Abstract

　In June 2023, an individual of the Japanese ratsnake, Elaphe climacophora (Boie, 1826), was found on the Makuhari campus of Chiba Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Mihama Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first record of this species with a voucher specimen from this area. Herein, we describe its detailed characteristics and discuss the implications of its occurrence in this highly urban, reclaimed area.