Hump-Nosed Pit Viper [ Hypnale hypnale] - Indian Snakes

Restricted to the Western Ghats of India and parts of Central Sri Lanka, Hump Nosed Pit Viper loves spending day in the leaf litter on the forest floor. This snake is a perfect example for camouflage, since spotting it in the leaf litter on the forest floor is a difficult task. 

It is also found basking in the sun in the morning, especially on rocks in the stream side, usually  spotted with its head angled upwards.

Though a slow mover, it can deliver a fast strike, so be careful. The venom of this snake was earlier considered harmless, but now it is known that it may develop renal complications if not treated immediately.

We spotted this viper on a trek path in the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, resting on top of a rock by the side of the path. When disturbed, it jumped to the leaf litter on the forest floor.

This is part of a series of Indian Snake Videos on Indian Biodiversity Talks' YouTube Channel.
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