Malabar Pit Viper (Trimeresurus malabaricus)
- Habitat: Rainforests, plantations, and high-altitude areas
- Distribution: Western Ghats of India
- Diet: Small mammals, frogs, lizards, and birds
- Size: Typically 2-3 feet in length
Physical Characteristics
- Size: Malabar pit vipers are relatively small to medium-sized snakes, typically ranging from 50 to 70 centimeters (20 to 28 inches) in length.
- Appearance: They have a relatively stout body with a distinct triangular-shaped head and vertically elliptical pupils. Their coloration varies depending on the locality and habitat, but they often have shades of green, yellow, brown, or reddish-brown, with patterns of stripes, blotches, or speckles.
- Color: The coloration can be variable, with individuals exhibiting various shades of green, yellow, brown, or reddish-brown, often with contrasting patterns of stripes, blotches, or speckles.
Conservation Status
- Threats: Malabar pit vipers face threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and human encroachment. They are also occasionally killed by humans out of fear or misunderstanding.
- Conservation Efforts: Efforts to conserve Malabar pit vipers include habitat protection, public awareness campaigns, and research initiatives to better understand their ecology and behavior.