Facts, Information, Scientific Name of Russell’s Viper
I am a sluggish snake, I don’t bite until I am threatened,
But disturbed me more I can help but bite in a second.
Scientific name- Daboia russelii
Size- 150cm-180cm
It is a Venomous snake discovered by Patrick Russell, a herpetologist, a man who studied Reptiles.
Distribution and Habitat – Russell’s viper is found in Tropical fry and moist forests of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and the majority of South Asian countries.
The environment among the scrubby bushes,Forest plantation or farmland is preferred by Russels Viper. Humid environments are avoided. Russell’s viper can be seen in urban or Suburban areas, Grasslands.
This is a Solitary snake. They hunt at night. But in winter, they will hunt in the warmer time of the day. They keep themselves hidden in caves and get camouflaged in leaf litter. These venomous snakes are sluggish. They do not attack unless they feel threatened. But when they sense the threat they get themselves in a loop raise their 1/3rd body and Hiss very loudly. They bite with one snap.
How to identify Russell’s Viper?
Russell’s Viper can be identified at a glance, as it appears to have a very large thick body, with a triangular and pointed head. The whole body on the upper side is covered with oval to almond-shaped blotches. The underside is white with small semi-lunar-shaped patches.
Diet- Russel Viper follows a carnivorous lifestyle in terms of diet. They consume small lizards, snakes, crabs, and scorpions. But when reach adulthood,they catch and hunt Rats and rodents.
Reproduction-
Mating is at the start of the year. The females give birth to the young after 6 months.
Russell’s Vipers are ovoviviparous. It means the mode of reproduction is through pregnancy. After mating female carries 20-40 young snakelets.
The gestation period is of 6 months or more. The snakelets are adults 3 years. Snakelets are about 15cm in length
Threats and Population Status
Russell’s Viper is a venomous snake that controls the rodent population. But they are still hunted and traded for their skin and meat.
The population status is not yet evaluated or studied.
- Also See – Indian Cobra