Malayan Pit Viper

Southeast Asia Snakes

Snakes ~ Vipers ~ Malayan Pit Viper

The Malayan pit-viper is a venomous snake widely distributed across the northern region of Southeast Asia but occurs only in a few small areas in Peninsular Malaysia, which makes its common name a paradox of sorts. It is much more common in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. A small population occurs on the island of Java (Indonesia). This terrestial viper species is regarded as causing the most fatalities in Peninsular Malaysia, and accounts for the largest percentage of venomous bites requiring hospitalisation.

The snout is sharp and pointed with a cream postocular stripe that extends in to the neck. The body is covered with triangular brown markings that are arranged neatly across the back. The base colour ranges from rusty brown to yellowish brown. Females grow larger than males, laying large clutches up to 30 eggs. Highly aggressive, the venom is highly potent and has caused many fatalities. In the wild, they hunt and feed on lizards, frogs and small mammals.