- Description: A small but highly venomous snake with a distinctive upward-pointing snout. Its venom is primarily hemotoxic, causing pain, swelling, and tissue damage. The snake has a gray or brown coloration with darker markings.
- Habitat: Found in forests and plantations in South India and Sri Lanka.
PICTURE CAPTURE – VISHWANATH
The Hump-nosed Pit Viper (Hypnale hypnale) is a venomous pit viper species found primarily in India and Sri Lanka. Known for its distinct upturned snout, this snake is responsible for numerous snakebite incidents, especially in its native regions. Despite being relatively small, it poses significant medical risks, particularly because its bites can result in serious complications if untreated. Below is a comprehensive overview of the Hump-nosed Pit Viper:
Scientific Classification
- Scientific Name: Hypnale hypnale
- Family: Viperidae
- Genus: Hypnale
Physical Description
- Size: Generally small, ranging from 30-50 cm (12-20 inches) in length.
- Color: The coloration varies from light brown, gray, or reddish-brown with darker bands or blotches along the body. The patterns are variable and help the snake blend into its forest floor habitat.
- Head: The head is triangular, distinct from the neck, with a pointed snout that is characteristic of this species.
- Scales: The body scales are keeled, giving a rough texture.
- Eyes: Medium-sized with vertical, elliptical pupils.
Behavior and Ecology
- Habitat: Found in wet, forested areas, including rainforests, plantations, and gardens. It is also seen in tea and rubber plantations and sometimes near human settlements.
- Activity: Primarily nocturnal but may be active during the day, especially in cool or shaded environments.
- Behavior: Generally slow-moving and sluggish but can strike rapidly if threatened. It often remains still and relies on camouflage for protection.
- Diet: Feeds on small mammals, amphibians, lizards, and other small vertebrates.
Venom and Medical Significance
- Venom: The venom is primarily hemotoxic, causing local pain, swelling, blistering, and in severe cases, tissue necrosis. Systemic effects such as coagulopathy (blood clotting issues) and renal failure have been reported in some cases.
- Symptoms of Bite: Immediate pain, local swelling, bruising, and potential blistering at the bite site. Severe cases may involve dizziness, nausea, kidney complications, and coagulopathy.
- Treatment: There is no specific antivenom available for Hump-nosed Pit Viper bites, complicating treatment. Supportive care, including pain management, wound care, and monitoring of kidney function and blood clotting, is essential.
Reproduction
- Breeding: Ovoviviparous, meaning the females give birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
- Mating Season: The exact mating season is not well documented but tends to be during warmer months.
- Litter Size: Typically, a female gives birth to 5-10 young.
Conservation Status
- IUCN Status: Listed as “Least Concern” due to its adaptability and wide distribution. However, localized threats such as habitat destruction and road mortality exist.
- Threats: Habitat fragmentation, deforestation, and human conflict due to its venomous nature.
Interesting Facts
- Snout: The distinct hump on its snout, which gives it its name, is a unique feature among pit vipers.
- Medical Importance: It is a significant cause of snakebite in Sri Lanka, particularly in rural areas where it is often mistaken for non-venomous snakes.
- Behavioral Adaptation: Unlike some other pit vipers, it tends to remain motionless and relies heavily on its camouflage to avoid detection.
Safety Tips
- Avoidance: Be vigilant when walking in forests, plantations, or areas with thick ground cover where these snakes may be present.
- Footwear: Wear boots and thick socks when hiking or working in fields to reduce the risk of bites.
- First Aid: In the event of a bite, immobilize the limb, keep the affected area below heart level, and seek immediate medical attention. Avoid applying ice, tourniquets, or attempting to suck out venom.
Despite its small size, the Hump-nosed Pit Viper’s potent venom and the lack of specific antivenom make it a snake of medical concern in its range. Its ability to adapt to different habitats and its cryptic nature contribute to its interactions with humans.
