Snakes of India
India, with its diverse ecosystems, hosts approximately 3,400 species of carnivorous reptiles thriving in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Among these, nearly 300 species are snakes, each adapted to its unique environment. Here, we delve into the top 10 deadliest snakes found in the country.
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Indian Cobra
The Spectacled Cobra, one of India's most venomous snakes, is accountable for numerous snakebite fatalities annually. Recognisable by its distinct hood, the snake carries a potent neurotoxic venom.
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Russell’s Viper
The Russell's viper, a venomous snake from the Viperidae family native to the Indian subcontinent, is known as one of the four 'big' snakes in India. A bite from this snake can cause hemorrhagic shock and potentially lead to renal failure.
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Common Krait
The Common Krait, also referred to as the Bengal Krait, is prevalent in regions of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. It is known for its highly lethal venom, which is one of the most potent among Asian snakes. This venom can induce muscular paralysis in the victim's body.
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Saw-Scaled Viper
The Saw-scaled viper, a venomous snake species, is known to produce an average of 18 mg of dry venom by weight. An encounter with this snake can cause envenomation, leading to local and severe systemic symptoms. These symptoms can potentially be fatal to humans.
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Hump-Nosed Pit Viper
The Hump-nosed viper, a venomous ground snake often found in the hilly regions of South India and Sri Lanka, is known for its unpredictable and rare systemic effects. This short, stout-bodied reptile is typically light brown in colour, and features double rows of darker brown patches.
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King Cobra
Despite not having the most potent venom, the King Cobra's bite can deliver a quantity of neurotoxin sufficient to kill 20 people or even an elephant. The venom primarily targets the brain's respiratory centers, leading to cardiac failure.
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Malabar Pit Viper
The venom of the Malabar pit viper, also known as the Malabar rock pit viper or rock viper, can cause moderate pain and swelling in humans. These symptoms typically subside within a day or two.
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Bamboo Pit Viper
The Bamboo Pit Viper, a species native to India, is known for its bright green color and its diet consisting of frogs, lizards, and small mammals. This creature, although normally calm, can turn aggressive when threatened, not hesitating to use its bite as a defensive mechanism.
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Banded Krait
The Banded Krait, predominantly found in India and southern China, is a species of snake that can grow over 2 meters in length. This reptile is recognisable by its distinctive gold and black colouring.
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Andaman Pit Viper
The Andaman pit viper, a venomous species, primarily resides in the Andaman Islands of India. It is also commonly referred to as the Nicobar mangrove pit viper or Anderson's pit viper.
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