Aloha State Reptiles - Endemic Hawaii State Reptiles

Hawaii, nicknamed the Aloha State boasts of beingthe King Cobra. These aqua snakes are closely
home to around 28 varieties of reptiles. However, sixrelated to the another group of snakes that belong
among the 28 species are endemic to the state ofto the Elapidae family that includes the King Cobra
Hawaii. These six species include sea snakes and fivealso found in tropical and sub-tropical areas such as
different types of turtles. However, the conservationSouth East Asia and East Asian countries including
of these indigenous species has become difficult inIndia and Bangladesh. However since these snakes
the islands since animals are being exported andhave over millions of years evolved from the
imported by some people. The government isterrestrial snake to adapt to a complete aquatic
endeavoring to launch an awareness program tolifestyle they are better categorized into a separate
save these indigenous species.family called Hydrophiidae that share some qualities
The Hawaiian Islands experience different amountswith snakes in the Elapidae, but the main difference is
of rainfall. The climatic condition of the island, itsthey live most of their lives in the water. The snake
topography and remoteness has provided a goodpossesses a tail with an oar like structure which helps
atmosphere for these types of endemic species toit in swimming. Their bite could be fatal, so it is better
breed and multiply. There are a number of endemicnot to disturb them. Among the other endemic
species of plants and vegetation in the island due toHawaii State reptiles are the 5 types of turtles. Olive
its climate and geographic position. The names of theRidley Turtles dwell in groups. Olive Ridleys are
endemic Hawaii State reptiles include Yellow-belliedcharacterized by small heads, and their shells are
Sea Snake, Olive Ridley Turtle, Green Sea Turtle,grey. The shells are 2 feet long and offer great
Leatherhead Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle and Loggerheadprotection. These mainly eat shrimps, mussels and
Turtle.crabs. Unfortunately they have been declared as one
The yellow-bellied snake is scientifically known as theof the endangered species.
Pelamis Platurus and is actually more venomous then