31) ~ Sri Lanka Hump-nosed Pit Viper ~

More about 31) ~ Sri Lanka Hump-nosed Pit Viper ~

**Sri Lanka Hump-nosed Pit Viper - Hypnale hypnale

Short: A striking yet elusive venomous viper endemic to Sri Lanka, known for its distinctive upturned snout and earthy camouflage. Though vital to forest ecosystems, it faces growing threats from deforestation and human fear.

Facts:

Scientific Name: Hypnale hypnale

Common Name: Sri Lanka Hump-nosed Pit Viper

Habitat: Lowland and mid-elevation rainforests, plantations, and shaded home gardens.

Diet: Frogs, lizards, small mammals.

Lifespan: Around 10-15 years in the wild.

Length: Typically 30-45 cm (short-bodied but stout).

Threats: Deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and killing by humans.

Conservation Status: Vulnerable (IUCN).


Details:
Deep within Sri Lanka’s lush rainforests lives a reptile both feared and misunderstood - the Hump-nosed Pit Viper, or Hypnale hypnale. With its distinctively upturned snout, it is instantly recognizable and perfectly adapted to blend into the leaf litter and forest floor, where it silently waits in ambush for unsuspecting prey.

This small but powerful snake is a master of camouflage, with scales patterned in earthy tones of brown, grey, and olive that mirror the fallen leaves of the rainforest. Its “hump-nose” gives it a curious, almost dragon-like appearance, while its heat-sensing pits allow it to detect warm-blooded prey even in the darkness of night.

Endemic to Sri Lanka, this species is found mainly in the wet zone rainforests and tea-growing regions of the island’s southwest. It thrives in moist environments, where dense vegetation provides cover. However, the expansion of agriculture, logging, and human settlements has caused severe habitat fragmentation, pushing these snakes closer to human dwellings - a proximity that often proves fatal for them.

Although venomous, the Hump-nosed Pit Viper is generally non-aggressive and strikes only when threatened. Its venom, while potent, plays an important role in controlling small vertebrate populations and maintaining the ecological balance. Sadly, due to fear and superstition, it is often killed on sight.

In Sri Lankan folklore, this snake occupies a mix of respect and dread - feared for its bite but also admired for its quiet grace. Herpetologists continue to study its complex venom composition, which contains compounds that could have medical significance for blood pressure and coagulation research.

Protecting this shy forest dweller means safeguarding not only a unique evolutionary lineage but also the intricate web of life that depends on it.