Protobothrops flavoviridis flavoviridis

(Hallowell, 1861)

Vernacular names
English : Okinawa habu
French : Crotale des bambous d’Okinawa

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Viperidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known.

Identification
The largest Asian pitviper species, growing to a length of 2.40 m for a weight of 2 kg. Elongated triangular head. Coloration is brownish-green with dark brown (sometimes with chestnut center) blotches scattered all around body.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in eastern Asia and is endemic to the Ryukyu islands, Japan. It is found on Okinawa and the other subspecies occurs on Amam islands. Lives around rock walls, caves, palm forests and plantations.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is collected by locals to produce “Habu sake”, locally persecuted and suffers from introduction of mongooses.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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