Wagler's Viper

Range: Asia

Habitat: Wetlands & forested regions

Natural Diet: Birds, rodents, & lizards

Diet at Rain Forest: Rodents 

Size: 18-36"

Rain Forest Facts: Strictly arboreal, the Wagler's viper hunts by using caudal luring, a process where the snake has a brightly colored portion to the rear of its tail that it waves slowly back and forth to simulate the movement of a small insect in the foliage of the trees. 

Once the prey item is fooled into coming close to the movement, the Wagler's viper strikes with amazing speed. The strike delivers  powerful venom that the prey item succumbs to rapidly.  Many of the items eaten by the Wagler's viper are birds. Long fangs allow the Wagler's viper to penetrate the feathers and deliver the venom; the snake also has a tendency to hang onto its victims after delivering the venom. 

Status in Wild: Stable in most parts of its range, loss of its rain forest habitat is resulting in certain populations coming under pressure.

This species is not currently on exhibit at RainForest