IMG_1898-0(W) Malayan Pit Viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma) tilting its head-in a "ready to strike position"

Also known as Malayan ground pit viper, Malayan ground snake, or Malayan moccasin; Ular kapak bodoh (Malay).

 

Toxicity: Highly venomous

 

Temperament: Bad-tempered and quick to strike. In northern Malaysia it is responsible for some 700 incidents of snakebite annually with a mortality rate of about 2 percent. Deaths are uncommon. However, many victims are left with dysfunctional or amputated limbs due to the lack of anti-venom and early treatment. But situation has improved the past 5 years with many victims been treated early and hospitals are supplied with ample anti-venom.

 

Size: 76-91 cm (with females bigger and longer than males).

 

Range: Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia and Java (Indonesia).

 

Habitat: Prefers coastal forests, bamboo thickets, unused and overgrown farmland, orchards, plantations as well as forests around plantations.

 

Diet: Rats, mice occasionally other reptiles.

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