snake

Diagnostic anatomy

Record visible scales, body form, head features and tail configuration, distinguishing absent features from features that could not be seen.

1. Which observed anatomical features support recognising this subject as a snake? definition
2. What evidence distinguishes it from a legless lizard, caecilian, worm or shed skin? boundary

Identity evidence

Associate identification with locality, diagnostic observations and a traceable reference or expert assessment; keep individual matching separate.

1. Which reference or expert assessment supports the proposed taxon, and which alternatives remain? provenance
2. What markings, custody records or other evidence justify treating successive observations as the same individual? boundary

Condition and shed record

Record comparable size observations and visible skin condition, including suspected retained shed near the eyes or tail tip without attempting removal.

1. What length, mass or body-profile observations are available, and how were they obtained? measurement
2. Where are visible lesions or suspected retained shed, and how have they changed between dated observations? measurement
3. Which observed changes warrant professional assessment before further manipulation? action

Life-stage evidence

Separate known history from inferred maturity, sex or reproductive condition.

1. What dated history or qualified assessment supports the recorded life stage, sex or reproductive condition? provenance
2. Which apparent changes could reflect feeding or body condition rather than reproduction? boundary

Activity in context

Record posture and locomotion alongside immediate conditions without assigning a cause from one observation.

1. What movement, posture or refuge use was observed, for how long and under what disturbance? measurement
2. What temperatures and access to cover were recorded at the snake's location, and by what method? measurement
3. What additional evidence is needed before interpreting low activity as a condition requiring intervention? boundary

Intake history

Track feeding events, refusals, regurgitation and water availability while separating observed facts from keeper reports.

1. What feeding, drinking or regurgitation events were observed or reported, and when? provenance
2. For a captive snake, what verified taxon-specific guidance supports changing prey provision or water access? action

Hazard with uncertainty

Retain unresolved venom status and record barriers, proximity and reported contact without relying on head shape or colour alone.

1. What reliable taxon identification and source support the venom hazard assessment, or does it remain unresolved? provenance
2. Can people or domestic animals reach the snake, and what barriers or escape routes are present? boundary
3. What immediate access restriction or qualified-response referral is justified by the observed encounter? action

Intervention basis

Record whether the snake is wild, captive or a suspected escape, who is responsible, and what evidence supports any proposed intervention.

1. What evidence establishes custody or escape status, and who is responsible for the next decision? provenance
2. Before capture, transport or release, which local requirements and responder qualifications must be verified? action
3. Does the observed situation justify intervention, continued distant observation or specialist assessment? action

Kinds and varieties

Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.

1. Which of these kinds and varieties hold for the sense of snake this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Identifiers and schemes

Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.

1. Which of these identifiers and schemes hold for the sense of snake this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Standards and regulation

Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.

1. Which of these standards and regulation hold for the sense of snake this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Real-world use

Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.

1. Which of these real-world use hold for the sense of snake this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Typical measurements

Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.

1. Which of these typical measurements hold for the sense of snake this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Failure modes and hazards

Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.

1. Which of these failure modes and hazards hold for the sense of snake this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Regional variation

Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.

1. Which of these regional variation hold for the sense of snake this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart

Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.

1. Which of these neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart hold for the sense of snake this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance