Trimeresurus kanburiensis – Kanburi Pit Viper

Kanburi Pit Viper (Trimeresurus kanburiensis) on limestone rock

Kanburi Pit Viper (Trimeresurus kanburiensis) female in limestone rocky habitat in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

The Trimeresurus kanburiensis, commonly known as the Kanburi Pit Viper, is an endemic viper from Western Thailand. This beautiful species has a fairly small range, it has so far only been recorded in Kanchanaburi province.

facts

Dangerous? Potentially dangerous; front-fanged, foldable hollow fangs, potent venom; these snakes rely on their camouflage so are not likely to flee. Which means, in the unfortunate case you don’t see it, but unknowingly grab it, it may decide to bite.
Venom Haemotoxins
Length about 60 – 70cm
Diet Most likely geckos, frogs and rodents
How easy to find Being well camouflaged it can be a challenge to find.
Best time of year We have limited experience with this species, but have found it in the wet season. Though according to some local herpetologists they can be found year round.
Best time of day Some sources state diurnal and indeed we have found them in ambush position in daytime. But we also have found it active at night, which is likely to be the best time to find these.
Threats Illegal collecting for the pet trade.
Notes: Endemic species to Thailand, though expected to occur in neighboring Myanmar
Kanburi Pit Viper (Trimeresurus kanburiensis) male in habitat

Kanburi Pit Viper (Trimeresurus kanburiensis) male in its limestone habitat in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Description

To be continued…

Head of Kanburi Pit Viper (Trimeresurus kanburiensis) male

Kanburi Pit Viper (Trimeresurus kanburiensis) male head shot in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Ventrals of Kanburi Pit Viper (Trimeresurus kanburiensis) male

Ventrals of Kanburi Pit Viper (Trimeresurus kanburiensis) male in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Similar-looking species

To be continued…

  • Trimeresurus venustus – Beautiful Pit Viper
    Trimeresurus venustus juvenile in Nakhon Si Thammarat

    Trimeresurus venustus juvenile in Nakhon Si Thammarat

    Has brighter colors than the Kanburi Pit Viper, but similar in pattern, and are often mixed up in the pet trade and (online) publications.
Kanburi Pit Viper (Trimeresurus kanburiensis) male

Kanburi Pit Viper (Trimeresurus kanburiensis) male in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Behaviour

The Kanburi Pit Viper is usually found quite close to groundlevel, or even in ambush on rocks. Though, there have been sightings up to 2m high off the ground, coiled up on branches. We have also heard that in some cases they drop themselves from the branch it is on once a spotlight is pointed at them, after which they disappear between the rocks. Like most vipers it is likely to be primarily nocturnal, but we have found it in ambush position in daytime too. Their main prey consists of geckos. They share their habitat with local endemics like the Dixonius hangseesom, Cyrtodactylus peguensis, C. tigroides, C. saiyok, Gekko nutaphandi (though not too likely they will take adults as prey), Gehyra lacerata, and the usual Hemidactylus species.

Kanburi Pit Viper (Trimeresurus kanburiensis) on the move

Kanburi Pit Viper (Trimeresurus kanburiensis) on the move in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Range & habitat

The Kanburi Pit Viper is normally found at relatively low elevations. The books usually say up to 600m asl. Bamboo forest, and limestone karst mountains are the primary habitat where the Trimeresurus kanburiensis occurs.

Kanburi Pit Viper (Trimeresurus kanburiensis) in situ

Kanburi Pit Viper (Trimeresurus kanburiensis) in situ in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Taxonomy

To be continued…

In situ Kanburi Pit Viper (Trimeresurus kanburiensis) male

In situ Kanburi Pit Viper (Trimeresurus kanburiensis) male waiting in ambush on the rocks in daytime (in situ) in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

How to find this species in Thailand?

Night walking in the limestone and bamboo forested area within its range is a good way to find this species. It is not the easiest of all vipers to find as can be seen in the above in situ image. You would not be the first one to target it, but fail to find it. It is well adapted to its habitat and well camouflaged, it requires skilled eyes to find this snake. It’s certainly not a ‘glow-in-the-dark’-like snake like many of the green tree pit vipers. We have found it in bamboo thickets and on limestone rock surface, usually close to or on the ground. But we have also heard of sightings up to 2m off the ground.

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