Mangshan pitviper, Mt. Mang pitviper, Mang Mountain pitviper
The Mangshan pit viper (Protobothrops mangshanensis) is a very rare venomous snake found only in two regions of China. No subspecies are currently recognized. This pit viper that is also known as the ''Mangshan iron-head snake'', ''Chinese pit viper'', and the ''Ironhead viper''.
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NocturnalNocturnality is an animal behavior characterized by being active during the night and sleeping during the day. The common adjective is "nocturnal",...
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CarnivoreA carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a...
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
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OviparousOviparous animals are female animals that lay their eggs, with little or no other embryonic development within the mother. This is the reproductive...
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PrecocialPrecocial species are those in which the young are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching. Precocial species are normall...
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Ambush predatorAmbush predators are carnivorous animals that capture or trap prey by stealth, luring, or by (typically instinctive) strategies utilizing an elemen...
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VenomousVenom is a type of poison, especially one secreted by an animal. It is delivered in a bite, sting, or similar action. Venom has evolved in terrestr...
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Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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starts withThese beautifully colored snakes are quite large in size and adults reach a weight of 3-5 kilograms (6.6-11 lb) and a length of up to 203 cm (6.66 ft).
It is sometimes claimed that these snakes "spit" venom, in a manner similar to spitting cobras, but this has been disproven.
Mangshan pit vipers can be found only in southern Hunan and northern Guangdong provinces in China. Their habitat includes mountainous regions, primarily subtropical montane forests with thick vegetation and cover. Winter temperatures in the region come close to freezing, whilst summer temperatures can reach 30 °C (86 °F) or higher.
Mangshan pit vipers are shy nocturnal snakes. They often lie along lichen-covered logs and other structures along animal trails blending in with the surrounding where they ambush prey. They can also be found in the numerous limestone caves in the region. When hunting, Mangshan pit vipers often use their white tail tip which they wiggle to mimic a grub so that prey comes into striking range; this behavior is known as caudal luring. Due to their shy natures, Mangshan pit vipers try to avoid humans but if attacked their venom causes blood clotting and corrodes muscle tissue, and can kill people.
Mangshan pit vipers are carnivores. Their diet includes frogs, birds, insects, and small mammals.
Unusually for vipers, this species is oviparous and females lay clutches of 13-21 eggs which they guard aggressively until they hatch.
These beautiful snakes are threatened by habitat loss and poaching. They are heavily harvested for the international pet trade and as a local delicacy.
According to IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Mangshan snake is around 500 individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are decreasing.
