Rare species of snake found in Sumatra, Indonesia

Researchers WWF Indonesia, Ridwan Setiawan, Sumatran pit viper was discovered snake species or Sumatran tree viper. Named species of Trimeresurus sumatranus it is not a new species, but relatively rare species.

"In Sumatra, now it is difficult to find this species. First may quite often, it's rare, "said the researcher who is familiarly called Iwan Podol it.

Iwan said, Trimeresurus sumatranus a venomous snake with a unique style. Basic color is gray, yellow-green patterned snake and has a reddish tail. The size is 1.5 to 2 meters long.

The snake is found precisely in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Lampung. The area is suitable habitat for the Sumatran pit viper was because the condition is moist and rich food source for snakes.

John explained that the snake was discovered during a survey of Sumatran rhino habitat for some time. Place of discovery is in the forest habitat is still maintained, that in primary forest.

Trimeresurus sumatranus, Iwan is clear, usually eat frogs, rats forest, and several species of birds. Usually, the snake was found in a small tree branch and still close to the ground.

According to John, the snake is active at night. Distribution of its own habitat in Sumatra, Mentawai, Nias, Borneo, to the Peninsular Malaysia to Thailand.

Currently, this rare type of snake was facing the threat. "There are many snakes are hunted. This snake coraknya unique, so one of the hunted. Snakes are also hunted for their toxins, "said Iwan.

Threats also come from forest destruction activities. "If the forests are destroyed, damaged habitat, it is also a threat to this snake," said John when contacted Kompas.com.

Stopping forest destruction and hunting are the appropriate steps to maintain the viability of this snake species. With the move anyway, many species can be saved.

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