Russell's Viper

Daboia russelii. This highly venomous snake is native to South Asia. It is one of the leading causes of snakebite fatalities in the world, as it lives in heavily populated areas where medical treatment is poor. The venom is very complex in that it contains coagulant, hemorrhagic, and neurotoxic properties. In some snakebite victims, the venom affects the pituitary gland and can reverse puberty. Some snakebite survivors even suffer complications years after the bite. However components in the venom are proving to be very useful in drugs to treat human ailments.

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