Sri Lankan Pit Viper

Sri Lankan Pit Viper (Trimeresurus trigonocephalus) is a moderately venomous snake endemic to Sri Lanka. It is one of the most colourful and attractive snakes in Sri Lanka. It is also arboreal and nocturnal, occasionally descending to the ground in search of food. This sluggish Pit Viper is usually encountered on low shrubs during morning hours. It is widely distributed in all three climatic zones of the island except the higher hills above an altitude of 1000 m and arid zones while relatively common in wet zone grasslands and rain forest areas and occasionally in plantations. It produces live young most of the time during months of June-July and usually a brood varies from 05 to 30. It has effective camouflage and usually makes every attempt to escape and avoid confrontation. Venom can be quite potent and occasionally can prove fatal. Therefore treatment and medical assistance is recommended. Majority of Sri Lankan Pit Viper bites cause only extensive swelling and pain.

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Reptilia
Order	Squamata
Family	Viperidae
Genus	Trimeresurus
Species	Trigonocephalus
Size	60 to 75 cm
Diet	Carnivore
Locations	Sri Lanka

Description

Sri Lankan Pit Viper can be identified from a distance by its green colouration with green quadrant shaped patches with black outlines. It has a large triangular head. The ventral aspect is greenish with a tinge of yellow.

Biology

Lizards, birds and tree frogs account for a major proportion of Sri Lankan Pit Viper's diet and preys upon rodents as well. This snake usually waits motionless until a suitable prey approaches or ambushes its prey. The prey is killed by its venom and often held in its mouth until dead, at which point the prey is swallowed whole.

Habitat

Common in forests of central hills of the island, which are at an altitude of 1000m (Kandy and Knuckles). Most often recorded at sea level. Sri Lankan Pit Viper is mainly confined to wet, intermediate and dry zone forests and sub montane forests. It is also found in tea, coffee and cocoa plantations.

Conservation

The National Red List 2012 of Sri Lanka, lists this species as 'Least Concern'. No known conservation efforts are taking place for the protection of the Sri Lankan Pit Viper.