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Roar & Rove

Russell’s Viper

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Conservation status

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC)

LIFE SPAN
  • In the Wild: Typically 10-15 years
  • In Captivity: Can live up to 20 years
Body size
  • Length: Approximately 100-166 cm (39-65 inches)
  • Weight: Around 2.7-4.5 kg (6-10 lbs)
Native habitat
  • Geographical Range: Found in South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and parts of Indonesia.
  • Habitat: Prefers open, grassy areas, scrublands, and agricultural fields. It can also be found in forests, but tends to avoid dense, wet forests.
Diet
  • Rodents: The primary prey, crucial for controlling pest populations.
  • Small Mammals: Including shrews and other small animals.
  • Birds: Occasionally captured.
  • Lizards and Frogs: Supplement their diet.
Russell's Viper (Daboia russelii)

The Russell’s Viper is a highly venomous snake native to the diverse environments of Sri Lanka. Known for its distinctive appearance and potent venom, it plays a crucial role in the island’s ecosystem.

Physical Characteristics: The Russell’s Viper is a robust snake, measuring approximately 100-166 cm (39-65 inches) in length and weighing between 2.7-4.5 kg (6-10 lbs). Its body is marked with a series of brown or tan blotches outlined in black and white, which provide excellent camouflage in its natural habitat. The head is distinctly triangular, and it has large eyes with vertical pupils, well-suited for nocturnal activity.

Habitat: This adaptable snake thrives in various environments, including open fields, scrublands, and agricultural areas. It can also be found in dry and semi-dry forests. In Sri Lanka, the Russell’s Viper is often found in rural and suburban areas, making use of both natural and human-altered landscapes.

Diet: The diet of the Russell’s Viper primarily consists of:

  • Rodents: The primary prey, crucial for controlling pest populations.
  • Small Mammals: Including shrews and other small animals.
  • Birds: Occasionally captured.
  • Lizards and Frogs: Supplement their diet.

Its hunting technique involves lying in wait and striking with precision when prey comes within range. The viper’s venom is highly potent, causing rapid immobilization of its prey.

Behavior: The Russell’s Viper is primarily nocturnal, being most active during the evening and night. It is known for its aggressive behavior when threatened, often standing its ground and producing a loud, distinctive hiss as a warning. This snake is a proficient ambush predator, relying on its excellent camouflage to surprise its prey.

Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, the Russell’s Viper is classified as Least Concern (LC), indicating a stable population. However, habitat destruction and human persecution pose ongoing threats. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation and raising awareness about the importance of this species in controlling rodent populations.

Lifespan: In the wild, the Russell’s Viper typically lives between 10-15 years, but it can live up to 20 years in captivity under optimal care