Local Species Database

The Banded Krait is one of the largest krait species, easily recognizable by its striking alternating black and bright yellow bands that run the entire length of its body. Growing up to 2.25 meters, it is a powerful and beautiful snake. Like other kraits, the Banded Krait is primarily nocturnal and sluggish during the day. It possesses highly potent neurotoxic venom that can cause respiratory paralysis. However, bites are relatively rare due to its shy, non-aggressive nature and preference for forested areas away from human habitation. This species feeds primarily on other snakes, fish, and eels. The female lays 4-14 eggs and guards them until they hatch. The Banded Krait is found across Northeast India, parts of the Western Ghats, and the Andaman Islands, typically in moist forests and near water sources.

The Common Krait is one of India's "Big Four" venomous snakes and is considered the most dangerous nocturnal snake on the subcontinent. Its venom is 16 times more potent than that of the Indian Cobra, making it one of the deadliest snakes in Asia. Distinguished by its sleek, smooth-scaled body with alternating black and white crossbands, the Common Krait is primarily nocturnal and docile during the day. Most bites occur at night when people sleeping on the ground are unknowingly bitten — the bite is often painless, leading to delayed treatment. The krait's neurotoxic venom causes progressive paralysis, starting with drooping eyelids and progressing to respiratory failure. Without anti-venom treatment, the fatality rate can be as high as 70-80%. This snake feeds primarily on other snakes, including its own species, as well as lizards, frogs, and small mammals.

The Hump-nosed Pit Viper is a small but medically significant venomous snake found in the Western Ghats of India and Sri Lanka. Named for its distinctively upturned, pointed snout, this pit viper is responsible for a significant number of snakebite envenomings in its range. Despite its small size (typically 30-50 cm), the Hump-nosed Pit Viper's venom can cause serious hemotoxic effects including local tissue necrosis, coagulopathy, and even kidney failure. The lack of specific anti-venom makes treatment challenging. This nocturnal snake is excellent at camouflage, blending perfectly with leaf litter on the forest floor. It feeds on frogs, lizards, and small mammals. Its habit of remaining motionless and relying on camouflage rather than fleeing increases the risk of accidental human encounters.

The Indian Cobra, also known as the Spectacled Cobra, is one of India's "Big Four" — the four most medically significant venomous snakes responsible for the majority of snakebite deaths in the country. Recognized by the distinctive spectacle-like marking on the back of its hood, this iconic snake is deeply ingrained in Indian culture, mythology, and worship. Indian Cobras possess potent neurotoxic venom that attacks the nervous system, potentially causing paralysis and respiratory failure. An adult cobra can deliver enough venom in a single bite to kill several humans if left untreated. However, anti-venom treatment is highly effective when administered promptly. These snakes are widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent, found in forests, agricultural fields, and even urban areas. They primarily feed on rodents, frogs, and other small animals, making them valuable for natural pest control. The Indian Cobra is protected under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

The King Cobra is the world's longest venomous snake, capable of reaching lengths of up to 5.5 meters (18 feet). Its genus name Ophiophagus literally means "snake-eater," as it primarily feeds on other snakes, including venomous species and even other King Cobras. Unlike other cobras, the King Cobra can raise up to one-third of its body off the ground — tall enough to look a standing human in the eye — while spreading its narrow, distinctive hood. Its deep growl-like hiss is one of the most intimidating sounds in the reptile world. King Cobras are the only snakes in the world that build nests for their eggs, with the female fiercely guarding the clutch. Their neurotoxic venom can deliver enough toxin in a single bite to kill an elephant. Despite their fearsome reputation, King Cobras are generally shy and avoid confrontation with humans. They are listed as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List.

The Malabar Pit Viper is a stunning endemic species of the Western Ghats, known for its remarkable color polymorphism — individuals can be green, brown, yellow, or even a beautiful combination of these colors. This arboreal viper is one of the most photographed snakes in India. As a pit viper, it possesses heat-sensing pit organs between its eyes and nostrils that allow it to detect warm-blooded prey in complete darkness. Its hemotoxic venom causes pain, swelling, and local tissue damage, though fatalities are rare. This species is primarily arboreal and nocturnal, spending its days coiled on tree branches or in bamboo clumps. It is ovoviviparous, giving birth to 4-11 live young. The Malabar Pit Viper is an important predator of frogs, lizards, and small mammals in the Western Ghats ecosystem.

The Monocled Cobra is distinguished from the Indian Cobra by the single O-shaped or monocle pattern on the back of its hood, as opposed to the spectacle marking. It is a medically significant venomous snake found primarily in Northeast India. This cobra possesses potent neurotoxic and cytotoxic venom that can cause tissue necrosis in addition to neurological symptoms. In some regions, it causes more snakebite deaths than the Indian Cobra. The venom can be particularly destructive to tissue at the bite site. Monocled Cobras are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, from dense forests to rice paddies and even urban areas. They are excellent swimmers and often hunt near water. Like other cobras, they raise their front body and spread their hood when threatened.

The Russell's Viper is arguably the most dangerous snake in India, responsible for the highest number of snakebite fatalities annually. Named after Scottish herpetologist Patrick Russell, this heavy-bodied viper is identified by its distinctive chain of dark brown oval spots bordered by black and white rings running along its body. Unlike kraits, Russell's Vipers are aggressive when disturbed and can strike with incredible speed. Their hemotoxic venom causes severe tissue damage, internal bleeding, kidney failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Victims often experience extreme pain, swelling, and bleeding from gums and other orifices. This species produces a characteristic loud hissing sound when threatened, which serves as a warning. They are prolific breeders, giving birth to 20-40 live young per litter. Russell's Vipers are found throughout India except at very high altitudes, making them a significant public health concern in rural and agricultural areas.

The Saw-scaled Viper is the smallest but most aggressive member of India's "Big Four." Despite its small size (averaging 30-60 cm), it is responsible for a disproportionately large number of snakebite incidents due to its irritable temperament, excellent camouflage, and habit of basking on footpaths and roads. This viper gets its name from the serrated keeled scales on its flanks, which it rubs together to produce a distinctive rasping/sizzling warning sound — a characteristic behavior unique to this genus. When threatened, it coils into a figure-eight position and strikes rapidly and repeatedly. The saw-scaled viper's hemotoxic venom causes prolonged bleeding, tissue necrosis, and kidney damage. While individual venom yields are small, the frequency of bites makes this species a major medical concern. Found in arid and semi-arid regions, these vipers are most active during the monsoon season when they emerge in large numbers.