Identification:
This snake species is of medium size, with a cylindrical, round, short, and robust body.
The head is triangular, with the upper surface covered in small scales. The eyes are small, and the snout is very short, approximately twice the length of the eye diameter. Head scales are smooth, overlapping. The supraocular scales are broad, undivided, and longer than the eye diameter. There are 6-7 intermediate scales between the two supraocular scales. The internasals are wider than long, separated by 1-2 very small scales anteriorly and touching each other posteriorly. Temporal scales are smooth.
There are 8-9 supralabial scales, with the first supralabial completely separated from the nasal scale. The second and third supralabials contact the subocular scales, and the third supralabial is the largest. There are 2-3 rows of small scales between the supralabials and the sublabial scales. Each side has 11 infralabial scales, with the first pair contacting each other after the triangular mental scale. There is a pair of post-mental scales, contacting the first and second infralabials. Body scales are in 25:23:17 rows, with a slight keel, and the scales adjacent to the ventral scales are smooth.
There are 135 ventral scales and 55 paired subcaudal scales. The anal plate is single. The dorsal surface is light brown or dark brown with irregularly arranged larger, darker brown blotches. There are smaller markings on the flanks. The ventral surface is white or yellow. Body length is approximately over 500 mm.
Biology and Ecology:
The primary diet of this mountain pit viper consists of small mammals such as mice, as well as birds, lizards, and frogs. The snake lays 5-10 eggs in a soil cavity or on a pile of debris near plant fragments. The mother snake guards the eggs until they hatch. Newly hatched snakes are approximately 160-180 mm long.
This species is typically found in mountainous forests at altitudes up to 1,500 meters. They also inhabit areas near human settlements, such as gardens, and thickets near schools or playgrounds. The snake is nocturnal.
Distribution:
Vietnam: Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Lang Son, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Quang Tri, Quang Nam – Da Nang, Lam Dong, Gia Lai, Kontum.
Global: Nepal, India, Myanmar, China, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sumatra Island.
Value:
The mountain pit viper is a venomous snake capable of causing human fatalities. It possesses scientific value.
Status:
The population of the mountain pit viper in the wild is limited due to a lack of suitable habitat. Threat level: R (Rare).
Recommended Conservation Measures:
Prohibit hunting.
Prohibit deforestation in the habitat areas of this species. Organize captive breeding in breeding facilities to study the venom for the creation of medicinal products.