Hump-nosed Pit Viper

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.