Russell's Viper
Daboia russelii
Local name: Ghonas / दबोइया
lightbulbResponsible for the highest number of fatal snakebites in India.
Identification
The Russell's Viper (Daboia russelii) is part of the WRK FO field reference used for incident intake and ground reports. Local names include Ghonas / दबोइया.
Habitat. Open fields, grassland, scrub and village edges
Diet. Rodents
Field notes. Big Four. Chain-like dorsal blotches; hisses like a pressure cooker. Causes the most snakebite deaths in India. Hemotoxic — immobilise and transport. Listed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act as Schedule II.
Habitat
Open fields, grassland, scrub and village edges
Diet
Rodents
Behavior
Big Four. Chain-like dorsal blotches; hisses like a pressure cooker. Causes the most snakebite deaths in India. Hemotoxic — immobilise and transport.