Taiwan Habu / Pointed-scaled Pit Viper

Overview

A pit viper of East Asia with a broad head and keeled scales, nocturnal.

History & Origin

The viper is native to East Asia. It belongs to the family Vipers, a lineage of snakes distributed across those regions and kept both in the wild and by specialist reptile keepers.

Appearance & Size

Taiwan Habu / Pointed-scaled Pit Viper is a medium (90–120cm) snake.

Temperament

Active and alert, with readily observable behaviour; enrichment and space keep them engaged.

Care & Husbandry

Vipers (including rattlesnakes, adders and pit vipers) are generally robust, often ambush-oriented, and many are venomous with hinged fangs. Handling is for experts only; captive care needs secure, well-climatised enclosures and species-specific humidity or brumation regimes.

Health & Lifespan

Prone to mouth rot, respiratory issues and obesity; some require brumation to stay healthy. Veterinary care must be reptile-experienced, and any bite is a medical emergency. In captivity a healthy individual may live around 10–15 years.

Popularity & Recognition

Vipers gave us rattlesnakes, puff adders, Gaboon vipers (the longest fangs) and the European adder. Their hinged fangs and heat-sensing pits are evolutionary marvels.