Deadly Venomous Snakes in the Philippines: Avoid These Dangers (2024)

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Poisonous snakes in the Philippines pose significant risks that you must be vigilant about.

The king cobra, with its potent venom and imposing hood, inhabits forests and grasslands.

Sea kraits and sea snakes, adapted for underwater environments, possess paralytic venoms deadlier than cobras.

The Philippine common cobra prefers escaping confrontations but can cause respiratory failure.

Mildly venomous whip snakes are not a major threat.

Proper identification and steering clear of these serpents are paramount.

If you continue, you’ll gain deeper insights into recognizing and mitigating the dangers of these formidable reptiles.

King Cobra

You’ll want to be extremely cautious around the king cobra, the longest venomous snake in the Philippines. Found in forests, grasslands, and swamps, the king cobra has a prominent hood and a rounded nose, and its venom can be potentially fatal.

The Longest Venomous Snake in the Philippines

In the Philippines, the king cobra reigns as the longest venomous snake, with lengths ranging from 3 to 5.4 meters. This majestic creature is found in forests, grasslands, and swamps, making it a potential danger to those who venture into these habitats. The king cobra’s venom is potent and potentially fatal, making it a serious threat to humans and wildlife alike.

Found in Forests, Grasslands, and Swamps

The King Cobra, the longest venomous snake in the Philippines, is found in forests, grasslands, and swamps. This species isn’t considered particularly aggressive and usually avoids humans.

However, it can defend incubating eggs aggressively and strike intruders rapidly. The venom of a King Cobra is potent and potentially fatal.

The King Cobra is listed as vulnerable by IUCN’s Red List, with conservation efforts including protection in several countries, such as China, Vietnam, and India.

Prominent Hood and Rounded Nose

As you navigate through the diverse snake species in the Philippines, you’ll encounter the King Cobra, the longest venomous snake in the country. Its prominent hood and rounded nose are unmistakable features that set it apart. Here’s what you need to know:

• Head Shape: The King Cobra’s hood is a defining characteristic, making it easily recognizable.
• Venom Potency: Its venom is potent, capable of causing fatal bites.
• Bite Fatalities: Despite its intimidating appearance, it prefers to avoid confrontation.
• Camouflage Ability: Its coloration of olive green with black and white bands helps it blend into its forest, grassland, and swamp habitats.
• Ecological Impact: The King Cobra plays a vital role in maintaining balance in its ecosystem.

Now, let’s explore the Chinese Sea Krait, another venomous snake species in the Philippines.

Potentially Fatal Venom

When you’re in the Philippines, a venomous bite from a King Cobra isn’t just a scare; it’s a race against time. Knowing first aid and bite prevention is your shield, while antivenom availability can be your sword. Don’t let fear of snakes paralyze you; knowledge and caution are key.

Chinese Sea Krait

The Chinese sea krait is well-adapted for underwater exploration, found in tropical waters around the Philippines. Its short, flattened head and boneless tail allow it to gracefully navigate the marine environment, but its venom is ten times more potent than a cobra’s, delivering a potentially paralyzing bite.

Adapted for Underwater Exploration

Exploring the underwater world is a unique adaptation of the Chinese Sea Krait. This venomous snake is found in tropical waters and has several features that make it well-suited for life in both marine and land environments. Here are four key aspects of the Chinese Sea Krait’s underwater exploration capabilities:

1. Diving adaptations: The Chinese Sea Krait has a rearward extension of the lung, known as a saccular lung, which expands lung volume and compensates for the limited volume of a tubular lung. This mechanism allows for prolonged submergence time.
2. Nasal valves and close-fitting scales: When in the water, the snake’s nasal valves and close-fitting scales around the mouth act as seals, preventing water from entering the lungs.
3. Paddle-shaped tail: The Chinese Sea Krait’s tail is paddle-shaped, providing propulsion and enabling the snake to swim efficiently in the water.
4. Lungs with large surface area: The snake’s lungs are proportionally much larger than those of its land-based relatives, allowing it to spend long periods of time underwater, from an average of 15-30 minutes to almost two hours.

These adaptations make the Chinese Sea Krait an impressive underwater explorer, capable of traversing the complex environments of coral reefs and other aquatic habitats.

Found in Tropical Waters

Found in tropical waters, the Chinese Sea Krait is a venomous sea snake that can deliver a bite with ten times more potency than a cobra’s. These snakes are adapted for underwater exploration and are known to be paralyzing. To avoid sea snake bites, be aware of their habitats and adaptations, and prioritize sea snake conservation efforts.

Short, Flattened Head and Boneless Tail

The Chinese Sea Krait, an aquatic snake found in tropical waters, boasts a short, flattened head and a boneless tail. This adaptation allows for efficient underwater exploration, making it a formidable predator.

Venom Ten Times More Potent Than a Cobra’s, Paralyzing

Imagine encountering a Chinese Sea Krait; its venom potency is no joke. A single bite could paralyze you, thanks to its neurotoxic effects. Luckily, antivenom is available, but habitat conservation is key to minimizing these dangerous encounters.

Venom Potency	Bite Paralysis
10x a Cobra’s	Instant
Neurotoxic	Requires Antivenom
Conservation Critical	Avoidance Best

Common Seasnake

The common seasnake is a highly venomous species found in the tropical waters surrounding the Philippine islands. With a pointy snout, large scales, and venom potent enough that a single bite can prove fatal to 50 humans, encountering this snake in its natural marine habitat warrants extreme caution.

Found in Tropical Waters of the Philippines

Found in Tropical Waters of the Philippines (Common Seasnake)

The Common Seasnake, also known as the Yellow-lipped Sea Wraith, is a venomous snake found in the tropical waters of the Philippines. This snake is known for its potent venom, which can kill up to 50 humans with a single bite. The Common Seasnake is an important component of reef and coastal ecosystems in the region.

Pointy Snout and Large Scales

The Common Seasnake, found in tropical waters of the Philippines, boasts a pointy snout and large scales. This adaptation aids in its water exploration and underwater survival, allowing it to stay submerged for extended periods. Despite its size, a single bite from a Common Seasnake can be lethal, making it a formidable adversary in its aquatic environment.

Single Bite Can Kill 50 Humans

The Common Seasnake, with its single bite capable of killing 50 humans, is a potent threat. Venom potency varies, but the risk is high in areas where habitat overlap occurs. Antivenom accessibility is essential, and understanding prey species can aid in identifying dangerous encounters.

Philippine Common Cobra

The Philippine common cobra is endemic to the Philippines and typically avoids confrontation, preferring to escape when possible. Its potent venom, coupled with a light to medium brown coloration that provides camouflage, can lead to respiratory failure and death if a bite occurs.

Found Exclusively in the Philippines

The Philippine Common Cobra, found exclusively in the Philippines, is an endemic population that contributes to the country’s unique biodiversity. Habitat preservation and conservation efforts are essential for its survival. This venomous snake’s venom composition is potent, capable of leading to respiratory failure and death.

Prefers to Escape When Confronted

When you’re trekking through the Philippine habitat, remember, the Philippine Common Cobra’s first choice is to skedaddle. Here’s why:

1. Escape response: They’d rather not meet you.
2. Avoidance strategies: Slithering away beats confrontation.
3. Human proximity: Close encounters? No, thank you. They know venom effects are a last resort, not a greeting.

Light to Medium Brown Coloration

The Philippine common cobra, also known as the Philippine cobra, is a venomous snake with light to medium brown coloration. This snake is found exclusively in the Philippines and prefers to escape when confronted. It has a potent venom that can lead to respiratory failure and death, but it isn’t as widely known as the king cobra.

Potent Venom Can Lead to Respiratory Failure and Death

The Philippine Common Cobra, with its light to medium brown coloration, is a venomous snake that can lead to respiratory failure and death. Its venom potency is high, and the death rate is significant without antivenom. To mitigate the risk, avoid confrontation and seek professional help if bitten.

Oriental Whipsnake

A common yet often overlooked venomous snake, the Oriental Whipsnake, is an arboreal species found in the forest edge habitats of the Philippines, featuring a slender body and a long, pointed snout. Although mildly venomous, these snakes aren’t considered harmful to humans within the country, providing an opportunity to observe their unique characteristics safely from a respectful distance.

Arboreal and Found in Forest Edge Habitats

The Oriental Whipsnake, an arboreal snake found in forest edge habitats, is known for its slender body and long, pointed snout. This snake is mildly venomous, but its venom isn’t harmful to humans in the Philippines. It’s a fascinating creature to observe, but always remember to maintain a safe distance to avoid any potential encounters.

Slender Body and Long, Pointed Snout

As we explore the subtopic of ‘Slender Body and Long, Pointed Snout’, we encounter the Oriental Whipsnake.

This arboreal inhabitant of forest edge habitats is known for its mild venom.

While its venomous bites can be harmful to humans, the risk is relatively low.

The snake’s slender body and long, pointed snout are characteristic features that set it apart from other species.

Mildly Venomous, Not Harmful to Humans in the Philippines

In the treetops of the Philippines, the Oriental Whipsnake makes its home.

A master of the arboreal habitat.

Don’t let its slender, green body fool you.

While it does pack a punch with its mild venom, it’s not a threat to humans.

Think of it as the polite neighbor who keeps to itself, ensuring our safety from a comfortable distance.

A true example of nature’s balance.

Aquatic Snakes

You’ll want to exercise extreme caution if you encounter aquatic snakes like the Marine File Snake, Asian Bockadam, Dog-faced Water Snake, Cat-eyed Fishing Snake, or Yellow-bellied Sea Snake in the Philippines.

These snakes are highly venomous.

They inhabit waters from mangroves and rivers to the open ocean.

Some species are capable of injecting enough venom in a single bite to kill multiple adults.

Marine File Snake (Acrochordus Granulatus)

You’re about to embark on the captivating realm of marine file snakes (Acrochordus granulatus), a species as exceptional as it’s elusive. These snakes are utterly aquatic and nearly incapacitated on land, rendering them a true spectacle of the underwater world.

Initially, let’s examine their physical attributes. Marine file snakes are the most petite of the three members of the family Acrochordidae, with an average length of approximately 80 cm and a maximum length of 122 cm. They possess hygroscopic skin that facilitates the retention of moisture and distinctive tubercles with nerve endings on their skin, which are sensitive to touch. Their scales are uniquely spinose and have an almost rough texture, which significantly differs from the smooth scales of other snakes.

Now, let’s delve into their habits and behavior. These snakes are nocturnal and can be encountered in shallow waters near the shoreline, up to 2-10 km away. They can remain submerged for extended periods, but they rely on freshwater lenses accumulated on the surface of marine water for drinking. Despite their aquatic lifestyle, they remain susceptible to dehydration at sea and must seek freshwater sources to endure.

When it comes to nourishment, marine file snakes are opportunistic predators. They prey on Gobiid fishes and crustaceans by tightly constricting their body around the prey. They tend to feed more readily in shallow water than in deep water, and their feeding rates are low compared to other families of snakes.

Regarding reproduction, marine file snakes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. They also exhibit sexual divergence, with females being somewhat larger than males.

As you can discern, marine file snakes are an intriguing and unique species that has acclimated to life in the water. The next time you’re swimming in the ocean, remain vigilant for these elusive creatures.

Asian Bockadam (Cerberus Rynchops)

Explore the fascinating world of the Asian Bockadam (Cerberus rynchops), a mildly venomous snake species found in the coastal waters of South and Southeast Asia. This snake, also known as the New Guinea bockadam, is a part of the Homalopsidae family and is known for its docile and hardy nature, making it a popular addition to snake hobbyists’ collections.

Experience the thrill of encountering the Asian Bockadam in its natural habitat while respecting its importance in the ecosystem.

Dog-faced Water Snake (Cerberus Microlepis)

The Dog-faced Water Snake (Cerberus microlepis) is a venomous snake found in the Philippines.

It’s a small species, with an average length of 40-60 cm and a maximum size of around 1 meter.

The snake is mostly active at night and is an aquatic species, often found in shallow muddy coastal mangrove waters.

It feeds on fish and amphibians and can be aggressive if handled.

Despite being venomous, it’s considered mildly dangerous to humans, with no known cases of serious envenomation or reactions.

Cat-eyed Fishing Snake (Gerarda Prevostiana)

The Cat-eyed Fishing Snake, also known as Gerarda prevostiana, is a unique species of snake found in the Philippines. These snakes are adapted to both aquatic and terrestrial environments, with their cat-like eyes providing excellent vision for hunting underwater. They’re nocturnal and are often found in ponds and other bodies of water, where they prey on crabs and other aquatic creatures.

The Cat-eyed Fishing Snake is a skilled hunter, using its unique hunting strategy to capture its prey. It often waits for freshly molted or soft-shelled crabs, which are easier to break apart and consume. This snake is known to rip apart the crabs’ external shells in specific places, making it easier to swallow the smaller pieces. Despite their predatory nature, these snakes aren’t a threat to humans, as they lack the power and inclination to harm us.

These snakes are also known for their ability to change color, which helps them blend in with their surroundings. They’re typically olive-grey in color, making them difficult to spot in murky water. Their body shape is slender and elongated, allowing them to move gracefully both in and out of the water.

Yellow-bellied Sea Snake (Hydrophis Platurus)

After delving into the mysteries of the cat-eyed fishing snake, let’s explore the realm of the Yellow-bellied Sea Snake (Hydrophis platurus):

• Thrives in balmy tropical waters (habitat)
• Pursues prey with cunning and grace (behavior)
• Subsists solely on fish (diet)
• Brings forth young in the ocean’s depths (reproduction)
• Currently not threatened (conservation)

Arboreal Snakes

You’ll encounter several arboreal (tree-dwelling) venomous snakes in the Philippines, including the painted bronzeback, Philippine dryophiops, brown whip snake, paradise flying snake, and oriental whipsnake. While their venom is typically not life-threatening to humans, these snakes can inflict painful bites, so exercise caution and avoid handling them in their forest habitats.

Painted Bronzeback (Dendrelaphis Pictus)

The Painted Bronzeback, scientifically known as Dendrelaphis pictus, is a small, slender snake with a distinct head set off from a narrow neck. It has a blunt and square-tipped snout and large, round pupils. The snake’s coloration is olive or brown above with a yellow lateral stripe, bordered below by a dark line between the outer scales and the ventrals. A black stripe on each side of the head passes through the eye, widening or breaking up into spots, separated by bluish-green bands on the nape. The upper lip is yellow, and the lower surface is yellowish or greenish. This snake is considered mildly venomous but is generally inoffensive and reluctant to bite.

The Painted Bronzeback is an active, arboreal hunter of frogs and lizards. It’s capable of making gliding leaps similar to Chrysopelea (Flying Snakes), although it doesn’t flatten its body to the extent of Flying Snakes. The snake’s lifespan is approximately 15-20 years, and it has a concave vent which it uses for gripping while climbing.

This species is found in Southeast Asia and India and has a wide range of habitats. It’s often found near human settlements and can adapt to various environments, including tropical rainforests, plantations, and agriculture. The Painted Bronzeback is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs, and is precocial, with young being relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching. The snake’s coloration and defensive display, which includes flattening the neck and revealing turquoise flash colors, may help ward off predators.

Philippine Dryophiops (Dryophiops Philippina)

As we delve deeper into the enchanting realm of tree-dwelling snakes in the Philippines, let’s unravel the enigma of the Philippine Dryophiops (Dryophiops philippina). This species serves as a testament to the Philippines’ extraordinary biodiversity, boasting an array of unique adaptations that make it an essential component of its ecosystem.

The Philippine Dryophiops is a rear-fanged colubrid snake, indigenous to the Philippines. It’s renowned for its distinctive keel-bellied appearance, with a body length ranging from 3 to 6 feet. The coloration typically manifests as a deep brown or black hue, adorned with a light green or pale blue flecked pattern. Its tongue is a vibrant red, and its belly scutes exhibit 15 scale rows at the midsection, featuring faint dark lines that create the illusion of being keeled.

This species is an arboreal adaptation expert, implying that it primarily resides in trees. While it’s predominantly docile, it can become rather skittish when its habitat is disrupted. It’s a cathemeral species, indicating that it’s active both during the day and night. Its diet comprises primarily of geckos and other lizards, supplemented by small frogs, fish, and slugs.

The Philippine Dryophiops exhibits parthenogenesis, a reproductive strategy involving asexual reproduction. It lays 2 to 6 eggs per clutch, typically nestled between tree trunks and exposed tree barks. Females are characterized by their thicker bodies that terminate in a short, slender tail, while males possess thinner bodies and longer tails. Captive specimens can survive for approximately 8 years, whereas their lifespan in the wild extends to 12 years.

Regarding its conservation status, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Philippine Dryophiops as Data Deficient. Nevertheless, the ongoing annihilation of primary and secondary forests, the conversion of fertile lands to agricultural and residential areas, and indiscriminate human killings pose significant threats to the survival of this species.

As we embark on further explorations of the diverse and captivating world of Philippine snakes, let’s remember to honor their habitats and actively participate in the preservation of these extraordinary species.

Brown Whip Snake (Dryophiops Rubescens)

The Brown Whip Snake, scientifically known as Dryophiops rubescens, is a fascinating arboreal snake found in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. This snake is known for its slender body, laterally compressed shape, and a ground color that ranges from grey to ruddy brown. The snake is adorned with dark brown and cream spots and flecks, and it has a thick, dark brown stripe behind each eye. The tongue of the Brown Whip Snake is bright red, which is a common feature among the colubrid family.

Paradise Flying Snake (Chrysopelea Paradisi)

In the Philippines, you’ll find the Paradise Flying Snake (Chrysopelea paradisi), a unique and fascinating creature. These snakes are known for their ability to glide through the air by stretching their bodies into a flattened strip, using their ribs as wings. They’re often found in tropical rainforests and can cover a horizontal distance of 10 meters or more in a single glide.

The Paradise Flying Snake is a mildly venomous rear-fanged snake, with a unique venom delivery system. Unlike most venomous snakes, they don’t have a hypodermic-like structure in their fangs. Instead, they’ve a simple groove that extends vertically up the fang, and their venom drips down into the wound.

These snakes are carnivorous and consume a variety of prey, including lizards, frogs, bats, small birds, and occasionally small rodents. They’re known to prefer lizard species, such as geckos and skinks.

In terms of behavior, Paradise Flying Snakes are arboreal and can be found in habitats where their prey is abundant. They’re likely to be in places where trees are closely gathered, such as in the canopy of tropical rainforests.

To better understand the behavior and habitat of the Paradise Flying Snake, let’s take a closer look at their aerial adaptations:

Aerial Adaptation	Description
Takeoff	Most commonly, the anchored J-loop take-off, where the snake climbs up a tree and then leaps into the air.
Body Shape	The snake’s body expands to nearly double normal width upon lift-off, and then undulates in flight to catch air drafts and glide.
Direction Control	Unlike most flying snake species, which bank to change direction, the Paradise Flying Snake turns by moving the anterior portion of its body.

These adaptations allow the Paradise Flying Snake to navigate through the air with remarkable control and efficiency.

Oriental Whipsnake (Ahaetulla Prasina)

After marveling at the paradise flying snake, let’s shift our focus to the Oriental Whipsnake. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Habitat: Prefers forest edges.
2. Venom: Mild, not a threat to humans.
3. Behavior: Shy and arboreal.
4. Identification: Slender body, long snout.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)