If you're a frequent trekker in the Gardens and hilly areas of Penang, you might have come across this beautiful snake. It's called Ular Kapak Daun or literally "Axe Leaf Snake" in Malay but its English name is the Malayan Pit Viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma). Do try to leave it alone if you spot it because it's a most lethal beauty.
The Ular Kapak Daun doesn't grow very big. It's usually no more than a metre in length but it's beautiful camouflage and bad temper make it a beauty best regarded from a distance. About 2% of people bitten by it die. Surviviors have been known to lose their arms or legs because they could not reach a source of anti-venom in time.
In the short but most interesting article below, by Ajla Rafidah Baharom and Kaviarasu Munian (edited by Lee Su Ee) from www.mybis.gov.my the authors explain about the snake's habits, venom, hunting habits and abilities.
To read the full article, please click the link below.
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