and the Olive Coloured Bronzeback snake (Dendrelaphis pictus) which has a red tongue.the Red-Tailed Racer (Gonyosoma oxycephalum) which has a grey tail.the Vine snake (Ahaetulla prasina) which is very thin and all green. Other green snakes in Bali which are non-venomous include – The sooner the victim is hospitalised, the less damage is done and chances of survival increase significantly. Unlike the bites from Cobras and Kraits, the effects spread much more slowly, and the snakebite victim can survive for several days before dying.īut, as with all snakebites, immediate hospitalisation is still advised. The good news is that many Pit Viper bites are warning bites or ‘dry’, containing little or no venom (the snake does not want to waste its venom on animals it cannot eat!). There is no anti-venom in Indonesia to treat bites from the Pit Viper, but doctors can still help to reduce pain and swelling, as well as monitoring vital signs. If left untreated, the bite point may need to be amputated. The venom destroys the tissues and causes internal bleeding. The bite causes immediate pain, and in severe cases the local swelling soon spreads to the rest of the body. This is the Bali snake that most commonly bites people, and potentially causes a lot of tissue damage – sometimes death. During the day it can hide in low bushes – which is why it is important not to walk through tall vegetation, and to cut overhanging plants back to well above head height along paths. It is active at night, and descends from its hiding place in a tree or wall, where it sits on the ground – and could potentially be stepped on. It has a wide arrow-shaped head with red eyes, a narrow neck, a rather short fat body (less than 1m), and a characteristic short red tail which distinguishes it from other green snakes in Bali. Photo: Ron LilleyĪ common snake from the coasts to about 1000m inland, the Island Pit Viper ( Trimeresurus insularis) is light – or dark – green. Notice the thick green body, red or brown tail, and red eyes. At night it will climb down to the ground to feed. Island Pit Viper/Ular Hijau/Lipi Gadang (Trimeresurus Insularis) A male Island Pit Viper on a branch. Scientific names are included because they are much more reliable for identification, and less confusing than common or local names. The snake you see will not necessarily look like any of the ones in the photos, but it might still be dangerous! Please do not rely on these photos alone for identification, each type of snake has one or more colour variations. Here is a series of photos and short descriptions of the most venomous snakes in Bali. Get educated about the snakes in Bali to take away any fear, and ensure yours, and their, safety. People are more likely to be bitten by a snake when they are not looking where they are stepping in thick vegetation, or at night and in poorly lit areas. It is better to treat all snakes you see with great respect. There are nearly 50 different species of land snakes in Bali, and a further 18 species of sea snakes, each with one or more colour variations. You don’t have to like snakes – but if you are alert to their presence, leave them alone when seen, and take positive action like calling an expert snake catcher, no one will get hurt. Snakes do not want to bite people, or anything they cannot eat. Many Bali residents like to have open plan houses and ‘jungle’ gardens that snakes, and other wildlife, find attractive. Like many other animals, snakes in Bali survive mostly in the river valleys where there are less people, but are beginning to move into rice fields, gardens and built up areas to find food. Snakes were here long before humans arrived, and come into increasing contact with people as we take over their former homes. Properties (hotels, villas, restaurants, private houses, etc.) that have been left empty because the owners have temporarily relocated, or there is no one to rent the property, should be carefully checked for snakes and other animals that may have moved in because it is quiet.Īlthough you may not see them, snakes are very much part of the landscape – and seascape – of Bali! They are often found on the coastal lowlands, and around the hills inland – although the numbers decrease when more than 1000m above sea level. Adding extra lighting at night may help to keep snakes away. COVID 19 UPDATE: During this time of lockdown, people are spending more time at home, and are therefore more likely to spot snakes.
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