Rainforest snakes are hunted by large birds of prey, big cats, crocodilians, monitor lizards, other snakes, and even some mammals such as mongooses and wild pigs. The exact predators depend on the continent.
Birds of Prey
Several raptors take snakes. Owls and hawks grab them from the ground or branches, and the serpent eagles of Asia and Africa are named for their snake-hunting habit. The harpy eagle of Central and South America mostly eats sloths and monkeys but is known to take snakes as well.
Other Snakes
Many snakes eat snakes. The king cobra is the best-known example (see what the king cobra eats), but kingsnakes in the Americas, mussuranas in South America, and many other species do the same. Large constrictors will also swallow smaller snakes.
Big Cats and Other Mammals
- Jaguars in the Amazon have been recorded killing large snakes, including green anacondas.
- Mongooses in Asia and Africa are famous for attacking venomous snakes.
- Wild pigs, honey badgers and coatis will eat snakes when they find them.
Crocodilians and Monitor Lizards
Caimans, crocodiles and large monitor lizards will take snakes that come near the water. Even a big anaconda is not safe from an adult caiman or a jaguar.
Amphibians, Fish and Insects
Young snakes have more predators than adults. Large frogs, big spiders, centipedes, predatory fish and even army ants can kill a small snake. This is part of the reason that most snakes lay many eggs or have many young.
How Snakes Avoid Being Eaten
Snakes use camouflage, speed, hiding in leaf litter or trees, and venom or bluffing displays. Some species mimic venomous snakes, and others puff up their bodies and hiss when frightened.
Bottom Line
In the rainforest, snakes are both predators and prey. Birds of prey, big cats, mongooses, crocodilians and other snakes all hunt them. To learn what snakes themselves eat in the same habitat, see what snakes eat in the Amazon rainforest.
