Russell's viper

Russell's viper, scientifically known as Daboia russelii, is a venomous snake belonging to the Viperidae family. This species inhabits a broad range of regions across Asia, including the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, southern China, and Taiwan. It is named after Patrick Russell, a Scottish herpetologist. Locally, it is referred to by various names such as chandra-boda, chandroborha, Lindu, Kangleipak, and ghonas, depending on the regional language.

Russell's viper is easily recognizable by its distinctive physical features, including its size, body structure, and unique coloration patterns. Commonly known as the Russell's viper, chain viper, or Indian Russell's viper, this snake is prevalent in countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Pakistan, China, Taiwan, and Indonesia.

Adaptable to various habitats, Russell's viper typically avoids dense forests. Instead, it thrives in open spaces, grasslands, plantations, and farmlands. It is a nocturnal forager and exhibits aggressive behavior when threatened. The viper's diet primarily consists of rodents, but it also preys on small reptiles, crabs, and arthropods.

Russell's viper is ovoviviparous, meaning it gives birth to live young. Mating occurs early in the year, and the species is known for its high reproductive rate. The venom of Russell's viper is highly toxic and can induce severe symptoms in humans, including pain, swelling, bleeding, tissue damage, kidney failure, and, in extreme cases, death. Thankfully, antivenom is available to treat bites from this snake.

There has been ongoing debate regarding the correct spelling of the species name and the classification of various subspecies. Recent studies have indicated that the eastern subspecies should be recognized as a separate species, named Daboia siamensis. Future research, particularly molecular studies, may lead to further expansion of the genus Daboia to include other related species.