King Cobra

Venomous Snakes of Nepal: Identification, Distribution, and Medical Importance

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Nepal, a land of diverse ecosystems , from the lowland Terai to the high Himalayas, harbors an incredible variety of wildlife. Among its rich herpetofauna, over 90 species of snakes have been recorded, of which about 18 species are venomous and medically significant.
These venomous snakes of Nepal play crucial ecological roles but are also responsible for hundreds of snakebite cases each year, especially in rural communities. Understanding their identity, behavior, and habitat can help reduce human-snake conflict and save lives.

Overview of Venomous Snake Families in Nepal

Nepal’s venomous snakes belong mainly to three families:
  1. Elapidae – Cobras, Kraits, and Coral Snakes (Neurotoxic venom)
  2. Viperidae – Vipers and Pit Vipers (Hemotoxic or Cytotoxic venom)
  3. Colubridae – Rear-fanged snakes (Mildly venomous)
Let’s explore each of these fascinating yet formidable serpents in detail.

Family: Viperidae (Vipers and Pit Vipers)

1. Nepal Pit Viper (Trimeresurus septentrionalis)

  • Identification: Medium-sized green pit viper with a triangular head and faint dorsal spots.
  • Distribution: Eastern and central mid-hills (1,000–2,000 m).
  • Habitat: Moist forests near rocky streams.
  • Venom: Hemotoxic — causes swelling, pain, and tissue necrosis.
  • Remarks: Locally called “Hariyo Sarpa”; often mistaken for harmless green snakes.

2. Himalayan Pit Viper (Gloydius himalayanus)

  • Identification: Stocky, brownish-grey viper with zig-zag patterns.
  • Distribution: High-altitude zones (1,500–4,000 m), Annapurna and Langtang.
  • Habitat: Rocky alpine meadows.
  • Venom: Cytotoxic; rarely fatal but causes intense local pain.
  • Fun Fact: One of the world’s highest-living venomous snakes!

3. Mountain Pit Viper (Ovophis monticola)

  • Identification: Brown viper with dark blotches and stout body.
  • Distribution: Eastern and central hills (1,000–2,500 m).
  • Habitat: Forest floor and leaf litter.
  • Venom: Hemotoxic; causes local tissue damage.
  • Remarks: Twilight-active and well-camouflaged.

4. Tibetan Pit Viper (Trimeresurus tibetanus)

  • Identification: Green to brownish viper with prehensile tail.
  • Distribution: Northern highlands  Mustang and Dolpo.
  • Venom: Hemotoxic, mild potency.
  • Remarks: Rare and adapted to high-altitude climates.

5. Habu Pit Viper (Protobothrops mucrosquamatus)

  • Identification: Large viper with dark triangular blotches and keeled scales.
  • Distribution: Terai and lower hills of eastern Nepal.
  • Venom: Potent hemotoxin; causes severe tissue damage and bleeding.
  • Remarks: Aggressive when threatened; responsible for several bites.

6. Salazar’s Pit Viper (Trimeresurus salazar)

  • Identification: Bright green viper with red-orange stripe on the head (males).
  • Distribution: Eastern Nepal near the Indian border.
  • Habitat: Moist evergreen forests.
  • Venom: Mildly hemotoxic; rarely fatal.
  • Remarks: Named after Salazar Slytherin from Harry Potter; newly discovered in Nepal.

7. Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii)

  • Identification: Heavy-bodied viper with dark oval spots and a loud hiss.
  • Distribution: Southern Terai region.
  • Habitat: Grasslands, farmlands, and near settlements.
  • Venom: Strong hemotoxin and nephrotoxin cause internal bleeding and kidney failure.
  • Remarks: One of Nepal’s “Big Four” is highly dangerous and aggressive.

Family: Elapidae (Cobras, Kraits, and Coral Snakes)

8. King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)

  • Identification: The world’s longest venomous snake; olive-brown with pale bands.
  • Distribution: Lowland forests of eastern and central Nepal.
  • Habitat: Dense forests and bamboo groves near water.
  • Venom: Potent neurotoxin; can be fatal if untreated.
  • Remarks: Feeds mainly on other snakes; threatened by deforestation.

9. Monocellate Cobra (Naja kaouthia)

  • Identification: Brown with a single “O”-shaped hood mark.
  • Distribution: Eastern and central Terai.
  • Habitat: Agricultural fields and marshlands.
  • Venom: Neurotoxic; causes respiratory paralysis.
  • Remarks: Responsible for most cobra bites in Nepal.

10. Spectacled Cobra (Naja naja) – The Common Cobra

  • Identification: Distinct spectacled hood marking.
  • Distribution: Widespread in the Terai and mid-hills.
  • Venom: Neurotoxic and potentially fatal.
  • Remarks: Part of the “Big Four” and deeply rooted in Hindu mythology.

11. Greater Black Krait (Bungarus niger)

  • Identification: Glossy black body with faint white bands.
  • Distribution: Eastern and central Terai.
  • Venom: Highly potent neurotoxin; causes rapid paralysis.
  • Remarks: Nocturnal and secretive  often bites sleeping victims.

12. Lesser Black Krait (Bungarus lividus)

  • Identification: Smaller, darker krait with white belly bands.
  • Distribution: Eastern Terai.
  • Venom: Neurotoxic; medically significant.
  • Remarks: Rare but dangerous if provoked.

13. Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus)

  • Identification: Blue-black snake with thin white bands.
  • Distribution: Widespread in the Terai plains.
  • Venom: Deadly neurotoxin; painless bite can be deceptive.
  • Remarks: One of the “Big Four” snakes is extremely fatal without prompt treatment.

14. Wall’s Krait (Bungarus walli)

  • Identification: Black with narrow white bands; resembles Common Krait.
  • Distribution: Central and eastern Terai.
  • Venom: Neurotoxic; causes paralysis.
  • Remarks: Rarely seen; often misidentified.

15. Himalayan Krait (Bungarus bungaroides)

  • Identification: Broad white crossbands on glossy black body.
  • Distribution: Hill regions up to 1,800 m.
  • Venom: Neurotoxic; few documented bites.
  • Remarks: Prefers cooler forested hills.

16. MacClelland’s Coral Snake (Sinomicrurus macclellandi)

  • Identification: Slender red, black, and yellow-banded coral snake.
  • Distribution: Eastern mid-hills.
  • Venom: Neurotoxic but rarely aggressive.
  • Remarks: Beautiful yet potentially fatal if mishandled.

 Family: Colubridae (Mildly Venomous Rear-Fanged Snakes)

17. Orange-collared Keelback (Rhabdophis subminiatus)

  • Identification: Green snake with bright orange or red collar.
  • Distribution: Terai and foothills.
  • Venom: Mild hemotoxin; generally harmless to humans.
  • Remarks: Rear-fanged species; uses venom for self-defense.

18. Heller’s Red-necked Keelback (Rhabdophis helleri)

  • Identification: Bright green with reddish neck and black spots.
  • Distribution: Eastern and central Terai.
  • Venom: Mildly toxic; not life-threatening.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Venomous Snakes in Nepal

1. How many venomous snakes are found in Nepal?

Nepal is home to around 18 venomous snake species out of over 90 recorded species. These belong mainly to three families:
  • Elapidae (Cobras, Kraits, and Coral Snakes)
  • Viperidae (Vipers and Pit Vipers)
  • Colubridae (Mildly venomous rear-fanged snakes)

2. Which are the most dangerous snakes in Nepal?

The “Big Four” medically important snakes of Nepal are:
  1. Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii)
  2. Common Cobra (Naja naja)
  3. Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus)
  4. King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)
    These species cause the majority of snakebite fatalities in the country.

3. How can I identify a venomous snake in Nepal?

While not all venomous snakes look alike, some general clues include:
  • Triangular head (common in vipers)
  • Distinct hood (in cobras)
  • Heat-sensing pits (in pit vipers)
  • Vertical pupils instead of round ones
    However, visual identification can be tricky, so avoid handling or getting too close. Always contact a trained rescuer or herpetologist.

4. What should I do if I get bitten by a snake?

If bitten, stay calm and act fast:
  1. Do NOT cut, suck, or tie a tight band.
  2. Keep the patient still to slow the spread.
  3. Immobilize the affected limb using a splint.
  4. Reach the nearest hospital immediately.
  5. If possible, note the snake’s color and markings or take a photo (from a safe distance).
Antivenom is available for most Big Four snakes in major hospitals.

5. Where are most snakebites reported in Nepal?

Most snakebite incidents occur in Terai regions, especially during the monsoon season (June–September) when snakes are more active and people work in fields or sleep outdoors.

6. Are all snakes in Nepal dangerous?

No. The majority of Nepal’s snakes are non-venomous and harmless. Only about one-fifth are venomous. Many harmless snakes are unfortunately killed due to fear or misidentification.

7. What is the difference between neurotoxic and hemotoxic venom?

  • Neurotoxic venom (in cobras and kraits) affects the nervous system, leading to paralysis and respiratory failure.
  • Hemotoxic venom (in vipers and pit vipers) damages blood vessels and tissues, causing pain, swelling, and internal bleeding.

8. Where can I find the King Cobra in Nepal?

King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), the world’s longest venomous snake, is found in Nepal’s dense Terai forests and occasionally in the mid-hills, particularly across the Inner Madhes region. These elusive snakes prefer humid forest habitats, bamboo thickets, and areas near water sources, making Nepal one of the few countries in South Asia where this majestic species still thrives.

9. Are there venomous snakes in the Himalayas?

Yes. Species like the Himalayan Pit Viper (Gloydius himalayanus) and Tibetan Pit Viper (Trimeresurus tibetanus) live in high-altitude regions up to 4,000 meters, making them among the highest-living venomous snakes in the world.

10. How can we coexist safely with snakes?

  • Keep your surroundings clean and rodent-free.
  • Avoid walking barefoot in fields at night.
  • Use a flashlight after dark.
  • Learn to identify local snake species.
  • Contact trained rescuers instead of killing snakes.
Snakes are vital for pest control and maintaining ecosystem balance — respecting them means protecting nature itself.

11. Is snake venom used for medical research?

Yes! Snake venom is used to develop antivenoms and has potential for medical research into treatments for blood clots, heart conditions, and even cancer. Every snake killed is a lost opportunity for science.

12. Where can I get treatment for a snakebite in Nepal?

Snakebite treatment and antivenom are available in major hospitals and district health centers, particularly in the Terai region.
Some notable centers include:
  • Bharatpur Hospital (Chitwan)
  • BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (Dharan)
  • Seti Zonal Hospital (Dhangadhi)
  • Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (Kathmandu)
Always seek immediate medical attention after any suspected bite.

13. What conservation efforts are being done for snakes in Nepal?

Conservationists, researchers, and NGOs are conducting:
  • Snake awareness programs in schools and rural communities
  • Rescue and release operations for snakes entering human settlements
  • Habitat protection initiatives
  • Medical training workshops to reduce snakebite mortality
Education and awareness are the most powerful tools for coexistence.

14. What myths about snakes are common in Nepal?

Common myths include:
  • “All green snakes are harmless.” (False)
  • “Snakes drink milk.” (False)
  • “Killing a snake prevents it from taking revenge.” (False snakes lack such memory.)
    These beliefs lead to unnecessary snake killings. Spreading scientific awareness is key.

15. How can I help conserve snakes in Nepal?

You can:
  • Join local wildlife clubs or NGOs working on reptile conservation.
  • Report sightings and rescues to local authorities.
  • Support education programs and snakebite awareness campaigns.
  • Encourage others to respect and protect snakes instead of killing them.