SUMMARY
VENOM: Highly Toxic
PREVALENCE: Not common
ACTIVE PERIOD: Active at night
KEY ID FEATURES: Tan with dark brown or black markings, very large head, slender body
BEHAVIOUR: Extremely aggressive, will attack if it feels it can’t get away, always attempts to bite
SIZE: Small/Medium - 40-80cm possibly up to 1m+
IUCN: LC - Least Concerned
OTHER: N/A
QUICK ASSESSMENT 0-10
VENOM REVIEW*
COMPOSITION: Procoagulants, Haemorrhagins, Oedema inducing toxins, Anticoagulants (possibly present), Necrotoxins (possibly present), Nephrotoxins (likely not present), Cardiotoxins (likely not present).
LOCAL EFFECTS: Serious envenomation possible, potentially lethal, local pain, swelling, bruising, blistering, minimal local necrosis.
GENERAL EFFECTS: General pain, dizziness, possible shock.
TREATMENT: Antivenom.
*INFORMATION ON VENOM OBTAINED FROM WWW.TOXINOLOGY.COM
GALLERY
IMPORTANT: Many snakes have significant variance in coloration and pattern even within the same species. There can also be extreme differences in appearance from juveniles to adults so it is important to never assume you have properly identified a snake.
See a video of this species being found in the field here:
DESCRIPTION
Dangerously venomous and potentially lethal. Heavily keeled scales running the length of the body. Generally tan in color with dark brown or black alternating blotches running the length of the upper back with similar colored markings along the lower side. Head is extremely large compared to the body with proportional eyes and dark stripes running behind each eye. Head color is similar to the body with tan and dark brown markings on top. Jaw line can be dark brown or light tan in color (more common on mature specimens). Long slender body and relatively long tail.
BEHAVIOR
Active at night usually well hidden in rock crevices and leaf litter. The Taiwan Habu is a predator that may both actively hunt their prey and or wait in ambush. They are a viper and have relatively long retractable fangs and will bite readily at anything that comes within range when hunting for food, and are actively aggressive when encountered. Prone to rush their assailants and hold their ground if they feel cornered. They will retreat quickly if the opportunity arises but are not at all averse to attack if the opportunity arises. A bite from a Taiwan Habu should be considered very serious and medical attention should be sought immediately. Although not known to be highly lethal fatalities have been recorded and very serious damage can occur from a bite even if treated.
HABITAT
Found at low to mid elevations up to +/-200m in areas with large amounts of vegetation and hiding places. The Taiwan Habu is a relatively common snake and can be found on jungle trails as well as vegetated road sides.
MISTAKEN IDENTITY
NO SNAKE SHOULD EVER BE HANDLED BY ANYONE BUT EXPERTS: The Taiwan Habu is a drab coloured snake and could be mistaken with other species for the inexperienced though there is no known Batesian mimic for it in Taiwan.