Snakes in Sri Lanka – Common names and scientific names
| Scientific Name | English Name | Sinhala Name | Sinhala Pronunciation | Tamil Name | Tamil Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naja naja | Cobra | Naya | nai-yah | Nalla Pambu | na-la pum-boo |
| Daboia russelli | Russell’s Viper | Tith Polonga | tith po-lawn-ga | Kannadi Virian | kan-na-di vi-ri-an |
| Bungarus caeruleus | Common Krait | Thel Karawalaya | thel kuh-ruh-wa-lai-yah | Katu Viriyan | ka-tu vi-ri-an |
| Bungarus ceylonicus | Sri Lankan Krait | Dhunu Karawalaya | dhu-nu kuh-ruh-wa-lai-yah | Yettadi Virian | yet-tuh-di vi-ri-an |
| Echis carinatus | Saw-scaled Viper | Veli Polonga | vay-lee po-lawn-ga | Suratti Pambu | soo-rah-ti pum-boo |
It’s important to be aware of the danger these snakes pose and to take precautions to avoid encounters with them. In case of a snakebite, seek medical attention immediately.
The venomous snakes found in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, a beautiful island nation in South Asia, is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including several species of Venomous Snakes. While snakes are fascinating creatures to observe, it is essential to be aware of the potential danger they pose. In this blog post, we will explore the five most venomous snakes in Sri Lanka, their characteristics, and the toxins they produce.
Cobra (Naja naja)
Cobra (Naja naja): The cobra, known as “Naya” in Sinhala and “Nalla Pambu” in Tamil, is one of the most recognizable snakes in the world. It has a distinctive hood that it can flare when threatened, making it appear more substantial and more menacing.
Cobras have highly potent venom that attacks the nervous system, causing paralysis and respiratory failure.
The venom also contains a variety of enzymes that can cause tissue damage, leading to pain, swelling, bleeding and other symptoms.
Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelli)
Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelli): Russell’s Viper, also known as “Tith Polonga” in Sinhala and “Kannadi Virian” in Tamil, is another highly venomous snake found in Sri Lanka.
It has a robust and sturdy body, triangular-shaped head, and distinctive markings on its skin. Russell’s Viper venom contains several toxins, including hemotoxins that attack the circulatory system, causing internal bleeding and tissue damage.
The venom can also cause severe pain, swelling, and other symptoms.
Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus)
Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus): The Common Krait, known as “Thel Karawalaya” in Sinhala and “Katu Viriyan” in Tamil, is a nocturnal snake with a glossy black body and white stripes. Its venom contains potent neurotoxins that can cause muscle paralysis and respiratory failure.
The toxin also affects the nervous system, causing symptoms such as blurred vision, difficulty speaking, and dizziness.
Sri Lankan Krait (Bungarus ceylonicus)
Sri Lankan Krait (Bungarus ceylonicus): The Sri Lankan Krait, also known as “Dhunu Karawalaya” in Sinhala and “Yettadi Virian” in Tamil, is a small and slender snake with a glossy black body and white stripes.
Its venom is similar to that of the Common Krait, containing potent neurotoxins that attack the nervous system, leading to muscle paralysis and respiratory failure.
CC Image credits /License
Saw-scaled Viper (Echis carinatus)
Saw-scaled Viper (Echis carinatus): The Saw-scaled Viper, known as “Veli Polonga” in Sinhala and “Suratti Pambu” in Tamil, is a small and aggressive snake with a rough, keeled surface on its scales.
Its venom contains a mix of toxins, including hemotoxins and cytotoxins, which can cause tissue damage, bleeding, and swelling. The toxin also affects the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness and paralysis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the five venomous snakes mentioned above are just a few examples of the diverse range of snake species found in Sri Lanka.
While they are fascinating creatures to observe, it is essential to treat them with respect and caution. If you encounter a venomous snake in the wild, stay calm, keep your distance, and seek professional help if you suspect you have been bitten.
By understanding their characteristics and venom, we can appreciate the beauty and importance of these creatures while also protecting ourselves and our communities.
The post Venomous snakes in Sri Lanka appeared first on Science A Plus.
