Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus

(Gray, 1832)

Vernacular names
English : Shore pitviper
French : Crotale des bambous des mangroves

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Viperidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a length of 100 cm. Narrow but thick triangular head with greenish-yellow eyes. Coloration variable, from brownish green to grey-green or nearly black with brown blotches on back and whitish scales on lower flanks.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South-east Asia mostly in coastal areas from Myanmar and Thailand to peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra. Lives in mangrove forests, overgrown swamps, bamboo forests, up to 1000 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a large range but its habitat requirements could have it become threatened by habitat loss. Rarely collected for the trade.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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