The Bothriechis schlegelii, or more commonly known as the Eyelash Viper, surely can be included in the rank of the most interesting and handsome reptiles worldwide. Due to its outstanding appearance alone, this snake already is an attraction for all herpetologists and other nature lovers, with those well-known “eyelash” scales above the eyes. Its beauty is not without a dangerous side in its nature. The discussion will be about life, habitat, behavior, and importance of the Eyelash Viper on a broad basis in order to account for all the important information relating to this marvelous species.
- Physical Characteristics
It is a small but vivacious snake that reaches between 55 to 82 cm in length. Most striking on the eyelash viper, however, is the set of modified scales above each eye that give it eyelashes and thus the common name. The “eyelashes” help with camouflage by breaking up the outline of the snake’s head, although this is still a matter of debate among scientists.
Then, there is the coloration of the snake. The coloration goes from an amazing yellow to green, red, and brown and can be spotted into a series of hues that are almost identical. Indeed, this great variation in color gives good camouflage to this viper among the leaves, flowers, or on the branch. The yellow morph with its golden color is very famous and sometimes also called “golden eyelash viper”.
- Habitat and Distribution
For the most part, the Eyelash Vipers are found within the tropical rain forests of Central and South America. Generally speaking, their range extends from southern Mexico into Central America, from there south into a part of northern South America: to wit, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. Arboreal snakes with much time spent in trees where ambushes most easily can be performed.
They prefer highly wooded areas, rainforests, cloud forests, sometime plantations, and even gardens but very close to natural ecology. The high humidity and high temperatures of these regions provide ideal conditions for this species of Eyelash Viper. There it will find the just-right amount of temperature and humidity to develop.
- Comportamiento y Alimentación
The Eyelash Vipers are ambush predators, and thus their hunting technique is based on camouflage and patience. Generally, they feed on small mammals, birds, frogs, and lizards. Its prehensile tail can firmly clasp a branch while waiting for an unsuspecting victim to wander close enough for the snake to strike. If prey is detected, in an instant the Eyelash Viper delivers through its long, hinged fangs a dose of potent venom that quickly immobilizes it.
Despite being highly venomous, the Eyelash Vipers are not typically aggressive and would avoid attacking humans. They would more often retreat or remain motionless when threatened. But should they be cornered or molested, they would without fail strike. While their venom is not generally fatal in humans, it might give significant pain, heavy swelling, and damaged tissues that require medical intervention.
- Reproduction and Lifespan
Being ovoviviparous, the female Eyelash Viper produces live young. After a gestation period of about six months, a female can give birth to as few as 6 neonates or as many as 20. Neonates at birth are full-grown and may hunt and care for themselves almost as soon as they are born.
The exact age of an Eyelash Viper in the wild has not been determined, but an approximate estimate given was around 10 to 12 years; while those in captivity, being sheltered from natural predation and properly cared for, live longer sometimes even beyond 15 years.
- Ecological Significance
The other important role is played by this Eyelash viper, a predator which helps to keep the balance of nature. It helps to stabilize the populations of small mammals and birds and other prey species to prevent them from overpopulating and straining the local vegetation. In fact, the presence of the Eyelash viper may actually be proof of a healthy, biodiverse environment, since this species is faring quite well in undisturbed, natural habitats.
The lively appearance and curiosities of the Eyelash Viper make it an object of interest in regards to ecotourism, especially in countries like Costa Rica, where this industry is a big branch in the local economy. Some viper species are able to attract tourists, photographers, and researchers into an area, thus driving local conservation efforts and creating awareness about preserving natural habitats.
- Conservation Status and Threats
Although the Eyelash Viper is not an endangered species at the moment, there are a number of threats against it that might affect population levels in the near future. Habitat loss through deforestation and extension of agricultural lands is a very serious threat to this species. Due to the fact that these types of forests are cleared either for farming or for urbanization, the places in which the viper lives decrease in number, and thus populations decline.
Illegal pet trade is a threat to the populations of the Eyelash Viper. Because of their striking good looks, these snakes get captured and are widely sold as exotic pets. Although they may survive in captivity, it reduces the numbers of such species in nature and upsets the local ecosystem.
Conservation planning for the Eyelash Viper involves the protection of its natural habitats by establishing national parks and reserves. It can also be assured through environmental education programs, which will reduce the capture of wild specimens, promote responsible tourism that doesn’t harm or disrespect the wildlife.
- Human Interactions and Myths
Snakes are often associated with a great deal of myths and legends throughout history, and no exception sets the Eyelash Viper apart. For instance, this bright yellow coloration has given rise to beliefs through some cultures that it is a symbol of fortune or, rather to the contrary, of danger. Myths about the potency of its venom abound, including many stories concerning the dangers from this relatively small snake.
In fact, while the Eyelash Viper should be feared for its venom capability, the species is actually not as deadly as some other snake species. Encounters with humans are seldom documented with regard to the Eyelash Viper, and this is primarily a result of the snake being secretive in nature as well as arboreal. However, when such an encounter does take place, they are often based on humans “accidentally” disturbing the snake in its natural habitat.Ecological Significance
The other important role is played by this Eyelash viper, a predator which helps to keep the balance of nature. It helps to stabilize the populations of small mammals and birds and other prey species to prevent them from overpopulating and straining the local vegetation. In fact, the presence of the Eyelash viper may actually be proof of a healthy, biodiverse environment, since this species is faring quite well in undisturbed, natural habitats.
The lively appearance and curiosities of the Eyelash Viper make it an object of interest in regards to ecotourism, especially in countries like Costa Rica, where this industry is a big branch in the local economy. Some viper species are able to attract tourists, photographers, and researchers into an area, thus driving local conservation efforts and creating awareness about preserving natural habitats.
- Conservation Status and ThreatsEcological Significance
The other important role is played by this Eyelash viper, a predator which helps to keep the balance of nature. It helps to stabilize the populations of small mammals and birds and other prey species to prevent them from overpopulating and straining the local vegetation. In fact, the presence of the Eyelash viper may actually be proof of a healthy, biodiverse environment, since this - species is faring quite well in undisturbed, natural habitats.
- The lively appearance and curiosities of the Eyelash Viper make it an object of interest in regards to ecotourism, especially in countries like Costa Rica, where this industry is a big branch in the local economy. Some viper species are able to attract tourists, photographers, and researchers into an area, thus driving local conservation efforts and creating awareness about preserving natural habitats.
- Conservation Status and Threats
Although the Eyelash Viper is not an endangered species at the moment, there are a number of threats against it that might affect population levels in the near future. Habitat loss through deforestation and extension of agricultural lands is a very serious threat to this species. Due to the fact that these types of forests are cleared either for farming or for urbanization, the places in which the viper lives decrease in number, and thus populations decline. - Illegal pet trade is a threat to the populations of the Eyelash Viper. Because of their striking good looks, these snakes get captured and are widely sold as exotic pets. Although they may survive in captivity, it reduces the numbers of such species in nature and upsets the local ecosystem.
- Conservation planning for the Eyelash Viper involves the protection of its natural habitats by establishing national parks and reserves. It can also be assured through environmental education programs, which will reduce the capture of wild specimens, promote responsible tourism that doesn’t harm or disrespect the wildlife.
- Human Interactions and Myths
Snakes are often associated with a great deal of myths and legends throughout history, and no exception sets the Eyelash Viper apart. For instance, this bright yellow coloration has given rise to beliefs through some cultures that it is a symbol of fortune or, rather to the contrary, of danger. Myths about the potency of its venom abound, including many stories concerning the dangers from this relatively small snake. - In fact, while the Eyelash Viper should be feared for its venom capability, the species is actually not as deadly as some other snake species. Encounters with humans are seldom documented with regard to the Eyelash Viper, and this is primarily a result of the snake being secretive in nature as well as arboreal. However, when such an encounter does take place, they are often based on humans “accidentally” disturbing the snake in its natural habitat.
Although the Eyelash Viper is not an endangered species at the moment, there are a number of threats against it that might affect population levels in the near future. Habitat loss through deforestation and extension of agricultural lands is a very serious threat to this species. Due to the fact that these types of forests are cleared either for farming or for urbanization, the places in which the viper lives decrease in number, and thus populations decline.
Illegal pet trade is a threat to the populations of the Eyelash Viper. Because of their striking good looks, these snakes get captured and are widely sold as exotic pets. Although they may survive in captivity, it reduces the numbers of such species in nature and upsets the local ecosystem.
Conservation planning for the Eyelash Viper involves the protection of its natural habitats by establishing national parks and reserves. It can also be assured through environmental education programs, which will reduce the capture of wild specimens, promote responsible tourism that doesn’t harm or disrespect the wildlife.
- Human Interactions and Myths
Snakes are often associated with a great deal of myths and legends throughout history, and no exception sets the Eyelash Viper apart. For instance, this bright yellow coloration has given rise to beliefs through some cultures that it is a symbol of fortune or, rather to the contrary, of danger. Myths about the potency of its venom abound, including many stories concerning the dangers from this relatively small snake.
In fact, while the Eyelash Viper should be feared for its venom capability, the species is actually not as deadly as some other snake species. Encounters with humans are seldom documented with regard to the Eyelash Viper, and this is primarily a result of the snake being secretive in nature as well as arboreal. However, when such an encounter does take place, they are often based on humans “accidentally” disturbing the snake in its natural habitat.
- Conclusion
The Eyelash Viper is but the extreme example of such variety and beauty, its striking looks combined with the role it plays in the ecosystem definitely making it a species worthy of admiration and protection. It is dangerous, but it is part of the environment-one which helps maintain the fragile balance of life in the rainforests where it abides.
Understanding and appreciating the Eyelash Viper are important not only to herpetologists but also to any person interested in the natural world. Learning about this snake will enable us to better appreciate how complex each ecosystem it lives in is, and how conservation of such habitats is crucial for our future.
