Large Scaled Green Pit Viper

As part of my NGO (Non-governmental organization) we used to participate in several types of forest census. During my last Elephant census on March 12th in the early morning we were all gearing up for the censes walk. Suddenly we heard the screaming sound of our Forest Watcher. Startled, we hurried uphill towards the scream. We found this venomous Large Scaled Green Pit Viper near Velimala (eastern region of Periyar Tiger Reserve). It was my first experience of such a close sighting.

The Large Scaled Green Pit Viper ( Trimeresurus macrolepis) is a venomous pit viper species found in the hills of southern India at about 4000 ft and above. Like most snakes, Pit Vipers keep to themselves and will strike only if cornered or threatened. They mainly feed on frogs, small lizards, caterpillers.