Sri Lankan Viper

Introduction
Vipers in Sri Lanka may refer to the two highly venomous species of the general viper and five moderately venomous species of pit vipers.

Physical Attributes
Each of the species that are regarded as vipers in Sri Lanka have comparatively large heads and certain species, including the green pit viper, possesses a special organ known as the loreal pit. This special organ is found between the nostrils and the eyes of the vipers. Vipers have the ability to sense heat and this allows them to identify its prey.

Habitat and Environment
The habitat of these vipers differ and they can inhabit the dry zone as well as the wet zone of Sri Lanka. Forests and national parks are known to possess vipers. However, slight and moderate differences in their physical characteristics have been identified between the vipers inhabiting different regions of the country.

Cultural and Conservation Status
The green pit viper is an endemic species of snakes in Sri Lanka. Due to their adaptability, vipers possess a limited amount of threats.

References

 http://www.srilankanreptiles.com/Snakes/VipersPitVipers.html