Central Nicobar Pit Viper

Physical Description:

• Appearance: The Central Nicobar Pit Viper has a slender body with keeled scales. Its coloration is typically green, which provides excellent camouflage in its forested environment. The head is broad and triangular, distinct from the neck, and it has the characteristic heat-sensing pits found in pit vipers.
• Size: Adults usually measure between 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 inches) in length.
• Tail: The tail is prehensile, aiding in climbing and maneuvering through trees and vegetation.

Conservation:

• Status: The conservation status of the Central Nicobar Pit Viper is not well-documented, but it may face threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and human activities on the Nicobar Islands.
• Protection: Conservation efforts should focus on habitat preservation and ensuring the protection of the forested areas where this species resides.

Importance:

• Ecological Role: As a predator, the Central Nicobar Pit Viper helps regulate populations of small vertebrates and invertebrates, contributing to the ecological balance of its habitat.
• Human Interaction: While its venom is potent and can cause significant pain, swelling, and tissue damage, bites to humans are rare. People should exercise caution and avoid handling or provoking these snakes.