Reptile · GBIF taxon 9738226
Taiwan Habu
Protobothrops mucrosquamatusAlso known as Brown-spotted Pit Viper, Pointed-scaled Pit Viper, Chinese Habu
Taiwanese habus are adaptable pit vipers renowned for their keen camouflage, distinctive triangular heads, and heat-sensing pit organs positioned between each eye and nostril. Primarily nocturnal, they hunt small mammals and amphibians along forest floors, agricultural fields, and near human settlements across East and Southeast Asia. Their potent hemotoxic venom makes them one of the most medically significant snake species within their native range.
VenomousNocturnalAmbush Hunter
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Mice and Rats
- Tree Frogs
- Small Birds
Predators
- Crested Serpent Eagle
- King Cobra
- Small Asian Mongoose
ThreatsPersecution by humans, road mortality, and localized habitat destruction
HabitatsSubtropical forests, shrublands, agricultural lands, and village margins
Life span10–15 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyViperidae
- SpeciesProtobothrops mucrosquamatus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Possesses potent hemotoxic venom capable of causing severe tissue damage; observe from a safe distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Injects potent hemotoxic venom that causes localized tissue necrosis, severe swelling, systemic pain, and severe clotting issues.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognizable by its broad triangular head, narrow neck, greyish-brown body with dark saddle patches, and pointed scales.
- What to do
- Maintain a wide clearance, stay on clear trails at night, and never attempt to capture or handle this snake.
Responsible observation
- Night Travel: Carry a strong flashlight and wear high boots when hiking along trail edges after dusk.
- Safe Distance: Remain at least three meters away if encountered, as pit vipers can strike rapidly.
- Bite Response: Keep the patient calm, immobilize the limb, and seek hospital care immediately.
Competitor Evan Pickett / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Predator (c) Seema Merchant, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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