Mangrove Pit Viper

This mangrove species, also called 'Shore Pit-Viper', inhabits coastal swamps and estuaries of Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia (Sumatra), but can be found inland along interconnecting rivers to the sea. While the colours are variable, ranging from brown to green and yellow and black, the base pattern is always series of dark broad and jagged bands, which are slightly faint, across the body. A white ventrolateral line may be present in some individuals. Specimens from the south (including Singapore) are completely dark and patternless. In the wild, they feed on birds, frogs, lizards, rodents and small mammals.