The Bamboo Pit viper, also known as the Bamboo snake or Green tree viper, is a venomous snake found primarily in Southeast Asia, including India. It is a species of the pit viper family and is known for its distinct coloration and pattern.
| Characteristics | Description |
| Name | Bamboo Pit Viper |
| Scientific Name | Trimeresurus gramineus |
| Colour | Green with black or brown cross bands |
| Length | 60-80 cm |
| Habitat | Bamboo groves, forests, shrublands |
| Toxicity Level | Highly venomous |
| Indian states where it’s found | Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and West Bengal |
| IUCN status | Not evaluated |
Features
Bamboo Pit vipers are small to medium-sized snakes, with an average length of 60-80 cm. They are usually green or yellow-green in color, with a distinct pattern of diagonal stripes or chevrons running down their backs. Their eyes are large and have vertical pupils, which is typical of pit vipers. They have a triangular-shaped head and a stout body. The average weight of a Bamboo Pit viper is around 100 grams.
Type of venom
The Bamboo Pit viper is highly venomous, with a potent hemotoxic venom that can cause severe pain, swelling, and tissue damage. The venom can also cause blood clotting abnormalities and hemorrhage, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Habitat and food
The Bamboo Pit viper is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, bamboo groves, and agricultural areas. They are primarily arboreal and can be found in trees and bushes, often near water sources. Their diet consists of small mammals, birds, lizards, and frogs.
Where is it found in India
The Bamboo Pit viper is found in various parts of India, including the Western Ghats, the Northeastern states, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Importance to ecosystem
Bamboo Pit vipers play an important role in maintaining ecological balance by keeping the population of their prey in check. They also serve as a source of food for other predators, such as birds of prey and larger snakes.
IUCN status
The Bamboo Pit viper is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). While the species faces threats such as habitat loss and fragmentation, it is considered to have a large population and a wide distribution range. However, due to its venomous nature, it is often subject to persecution and killing by humans.
