Chrysopelea paradisi

Tall arboreal vivarium, densely planted and preferably bioactive

Prioritise height and climbing volume: numerous horizontal and diagonal branches, lianas and sturdy plants to accommodate lateral movement and leaps. ABSOLUTELY airtight closure (an exceptional escape artist that slips through the smallest gap). Good cross-ventilation to avoid stagnant air. The species is not listed under CITES to date, but is almost always wild-caught: strict quarantine and a veterinary parasite screening are essential upon acquisition.

A humid tropical ambiance without being waterlogged. Daily misting (ideally morning and evening) with partial drying in between; combine humidity and ventilation to prevent respiratory and fungal infections.

A substrate that retains moisture but drains well to maintain humidity without stagnation. As most of the animal's life takes place up high, focus above all on the arboreal décor; a layer of leaf litter is useful in a bioactive setup.

Recommended. A diurnal species: a 5–6 % UVB tube (T5 HO) covering a raised area, with extensive shaded zones and branches filtering the light. Promotes metabolism and natural behaviour.

A large, clean water dish renewed frequently, plus misting: the animal drinks mainly the droplets on the foliage and décor. Monitor hydration (sheds, muscle tone) in this slender snake that is prone to dehydration.

Southeast Asia: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and Borneo. Humid tropical rainforests and forest edges, arboreal habitats.

Strict lizard specialist (saurophagous) — Geckos, skinks and anoles; occasionally small arboreal frogs. Rodents are not naturally accepted.

The trickiest husbandry point: converting to rodent prey is very difficult and requires "scenting" (rubbing a pinkie/fuzzy with a lizard). Many wild individuals refuse to feed in captivity. Plan for a lasting and ethical source of prey, which is often problematic and weighs on the long-term prognosis.

Clutch 5–11 eggs/young. Incubation of about 60 to 90 days at around 27–28 °C according to available data. Captive breeding is rare and poorly documented; parameters should be regarded as indicative.

• Massive internal and external parasitism (nematodes, protozoa, mites) — almost systematic in wild-caught specimens
• Stress-induced anorexia and food refusal, linked to the strict saurophagous diet that is difficult to meet in captivity
• Dehydration and poor shedding (dysecdysis) when humidity or hydration is insufficient
• Rostral abrasions and wounds ("rubbed nose") caused by escape attempts against the walls
• Respiratory infections and stomatitis ("mouth rot") following poor parameters or chronic stress