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Mangshan Pit Viper (Protobothrops mangshanensis) Fact Sheet: Summary

Mangshan Pit Viper (Protobothrops mangshanensis)

Mangshan Pit Viper (Protobothrops mangshanensis)

Mangshan Pit Viper

Mangshan Pit Viper (Protobothrops mangshanensis)

Image credit: © San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. All rights reserved.

 

Taxonomy Physical Characteristics

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Reptilia - reptiles

Order: Squamata - amphibians, lizards, snakes, serpents

Family: Viperidae - pit vipers, vipers

Genus: Protobothrops

Species: Protobothrops mangshanensis

Body Weight
3-5 kg (7-10 lb), or more, for an adult

Body Length
Up to 203 cm (up to 6.66 ft)

Coloration
Shades of green, bright green, and yellow-green; brown blotches along its back and sides; last 10 cm (4 in) of its tail is white
Distribution & Status Behavior & Ecology

Range
Southeast China (Mangshan Mountain and surrounding areas in Hunan Province, China)

Habitat
Mature forested areas at elevations of 700-1300 m (2300-4300 ft)

IUCN Status
Endangered (2011 assessment)

CITES Appendix
Appendix II

Population in Wild
One study estimated about 460 individuals; other, similar estimates of 300-500 individuals.

Locomotion
Lifts its body, moving forward in waves (similar to an earthworm's crawl). Also moves by undulating S-shaped movement (common for snakes).

Activity Cycle
Largely inactive.

Behavior
Shy, calm. Little studied in the wild.

Diet
Insects, small mammals (rodents), and frogs.

Predators
Thought to have few predators.
Reproduction & Development Species Highlights

Nest
Eggs laid in leaf litter

Incubation Period
49-51 days (in managed care)

Egg Weight
Up to 40 g (1.4 oz)

Clutch Size
Up to 27 eggs

Birth Weight
28-38 g (1.0-1.3 oz), on average

Typical Life Expectancy
Not reported

Feature Facts

  • This species was discovered and described  relatively recently (1989-1990)
  • Like other pit vipers, has special infrared-sensing pit organs to "see" their prey's body heat (warm-bodied mammals); pit organs aid in detection of prey and help guide a strike
  • Venom degrades in sunlight; melanin accumulates around this viper's venom glands to prevent damage to venom
  • Most pit vipers give live birth, but the Mangshan pit viper lays eggs.
  • Little known about many aspects of this animal's biology, including its growth, behavior, and reproductive biology
  • Occupies a small range in China
  • Major threats include illegal hunting and pet trade, logging of forest habitat, and climate change

About This Fact Sheet

© 2011-2019 San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Minor conservation update in 2017. Population estimate updated Mar 2019.

 

How to cite: Mangshan Pit Viper (Protobothrops mangshanensis) Fact Sheet. c2011-2019. San Diego (CA): San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance; [accessed YYYY Mmm dd]. http://ielc.libguides.com/sdzg/factsheets/ mangshanpitviper
(note: replace YYYY Mmm dd with date accessed, e.g., 2015 Sep 10)

 

Disclaimer: Although San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance makes every attempt to provide accurate information, some of the facts provided may become outdated or replaced by new research findings. Questions and comments may be addressed to library@sdzwa.org.

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