Russell's Viper
Daboia russelii • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Viperidae, Subfamily: Viperinae, Genus: Daboia, Species: Daboia russelii
Found primarily in the Indian subcontinent, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
Look up Russell's Viper in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Viperidae, Subfamily: Viperinae, Genus: Daboia, Species: Daboia russelii
Conservation
IUCN status: Least Concern. However, they face threats from habitat destruction and persecution by humans.
Physical Description
Thick-bodied with a triangular head distinct from the neck. Features a light brown, tan, or yellowish-gray ground color with three longitudinal rows of dark brown to blackish spots or ovals, often edged with white or black. Eyes have vertical pupils.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen appears to be an adult. Typical length ranges from 90 to 120 cm (3 to 4 ft), but can reach a maximum of 166 cm (5.5 ft).
Habitat
Highly adaptable, inhabiting open grasslands, scrublands, coastal plains, and agricultural areas. Often found near human settlements due to rodent availability. Absent from dense rainforests and high altitudes.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily feeds on rodents (rats, mice), though it also consumes birds, lizards, and frogs. An ambush predator that quickly incapacitates prey.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous (gives birth to live young). Litter sizes are large, typically between 20 and 40 neonates, though litters over 70 have been recorded. Breeding usually occurs between April and July.
Conservation Status
IUCN status: Least Concern. However, they face threats from habitat destruction and persecution by humans.
Cultural Significance
It plays a vital ecological role in controlling rodent populations.
Notable Features
Possesses a unique, chain-like pattern of oval spots and is famous for its extremely loud warning hiss, which is produced by forceful air expulsion through the nostrils.