Photographers – How Well Do You Know the Snakes in Western Ghats?

Malabar Pit Viper (Brown Morph)

As its name suggests this snake has a heat sensitive pit located in between the eye and nostril, one on each side of the face. The pit is extremely sensitive to heat and helps the pit viper track prey in pitch darkness. Once the prey is near enough, the snake strikes with alarming speed and injects its venom.

Green Vine Snake

The green vine snake is diurnal and mildly venomous. This arboreal snake normally feeds on frogs and lizards using its binocular vision to hunt. They are slow moving, relying on camouflaging as a vine in foliage. The snake expands its body when disturbed to show a black and white scale marking. Best season to photograph them is June to September.

Olive Forest Snake

One of the rarest snake in India .This species is reported to be uncommon.There are no known species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. It has been reported from two protected areas: Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra and Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa. Further survey work is needed to understand its biology, ecology, population status and trends.

All the images were captured by me with the help of local experienced naturalists, Whenever you plan for herping tours like this choose good local naturalist, don't try to go alone.

www.akashkapoorphotography.com