Viper or not?

Posted on February 10, 2017 by matthewjodonnell

Bornean Keeled Green Pit Viper (Tropidolaemus subannulatus) © Matthew O’Donnell

Whilst in Borneo I was incredibly lucky to see a wide range of snake species, ranging from the impressive and photogenic pit vipers, to the less charismatic but equally intriguing slug eating snakes.

Many of Borneo’s native snakes are venomous, however in the field it is not always immediately clear what species you have come across, which is why caution is always the best policy when encountering snakes in the wild!

This is especially true when you come across species such as the painted mock viper (Psammodynastes pictus), these snakes are visually similar to the true vipers (Family: Viperidae) however they are actually a type of rear-fanged coloubrid, with venom that is thought to be harmless to humans.

Black-headed Cat Snake (Boiga nigriceps) © Matthew O’Donnell

I was lucky enough to be accompanied by local snake expert and Maliau Basin Ranger – Mas, who’s wealth of experience really helped in finding and identifying snakes as well as many other nocturnal animals! Notable snake finds included two species of cat snake, black-headed cat snake (Boiga nigriceps), mangrove cat snake (Boiga dendrophila), a reticulated python (Python reticulatus) and the blunt-headed slug eating snake (Aplopeltura boa) as well as many more.