Russell’s Viper at Tumaria Reservoir, southern periphery of Corbett Tiger Reserve

The Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii), is a highly venomous snake found across much of South Asia, south-east Asia, southern China, and Taiwan. Characterized by a flattened, triangular head that is distinctly broader than the neck and a pattern of oval-shaped markings along its body, Russell’s Viper grows to a maximum length of 5.5 ft with most specimens being about 4 ft in average length. It occurs in open grassy and bushy areas, arid rocky areas, scrublands, and open dry forests.

In Corbett Tiger Reserve, Russell’s Viper is an extremely scarce snake, found mostly along the southern boundary of the reserve. It is occasionally encountered in open areas scrubland areas around the Tumaria reservoir. 

This Russell’s Viper was recently seen basking on the road, on a birding excursion to Tumaria Reservoir. It was photographed by Jim’s Jungle Retreat Chief Naturalist Manoj Sharma who gently removed the serpent to a secure location among the boulders on the slope of the bund.