A small green arboreal pit viper of high-elevation Indonesian forests, distinguished by tiny scales on the head and a yellow eye.
Description
The Sumatran pit viper is a slim arboreal viper around 80 cm with vivid green dorsal scales, black edging on each scale, and a clean yellow eye. The head is broad with small scales above and prominent heat-sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils. The tail is prehensile and reddish.
Behavior
A patient nocturnal ambush predator, the Sumatran pit viper rests draped over low branches by day and hunts roosting birds and small mammals at night. Its hemotoxic venom causes severe local pain and swelling but is rarely fatal with antivenom and supportive care.
Range
Native to lowland and montane forests of Sumatra, Borneo, and the Malay Peninsula. The species is locally common but vulnerable to logging and the loss of its tall continuous rainforest habitat.
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