LAND SNAKES

OF MEDICAL SIGNIFICANCE IN MALAYSIA

THIRD EDITION

Ahmad Khaldun Ismail

Teo Eng Wah
Indraneil Das
www.mybis.gov.my Taksa Vasaruchapong
Scott A. Weinstein
MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND
NATURAL RESOURCES
 LAND SNAKES
OF MEDICAL SIGNIFICANCE IN MALAYSIA
THIRD EDITION
2022

Ahmad Khaldun Ismail

Teo Eng Wah
Indraneil Das
www.mybis.gov.my Taksa Vasaruchapong
Scott A. Weinstein
MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND
NATURAL RESOURCES
 © Forest Research Institute Malaysia 2022
All enquiries should be forwarded to:
Director General
Forest Research Institute Malaysia
52109 Kepong, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Tel: +603- 6279 7000 Fax: +603-6273 1314 Website: www.frim.gov.my
Editor: Kaviarasu Munian
MS ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Design & layout by:
TextStation Design
www.tsdesign.com.my
Printed in Malaysia by:
Firdaus Press Sdn. Bhd.
No. 26-28, Jalan PBS 14/4, Taman Perindustrian Bukit Serdang
43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
Ahmad Khaldun Ismail
LAND SNAKES OF MEDICAL SIGNIFICANCE IN MALAYSIA / Ahmad Khaldun Ismail, Teo Eng Wah, Indraneil Das, Taksa Vasaruchapong, Scott A. Weinstein.
– THIRD EDITION.
Mode of access: Internet
eISBN 978-967-2810-18-6
1. Snakes--Malaysia.
2. Reptiles--Malaysia.
3. Poisonous snakes--Malaysia.
4. Government publications--Malaysia.
I. Teo, Eng Wah. II. Indraneil Das.
III. Taksa Vasaruchapong. IV. Weinstein, Scott A.
V. Title.
597.9609595
Table of Contents
v Acknowledgements 07 Symbols for Snake Profile

vii Foreword 09 Species of Medical Significance

01 Overview 10 Elapidae

32 Natricidae
03 Identifying Snakes in Malaysia
44 Pythonidae

50 Viperidae

83 Recommendations for Early Intervention

Following Snake Related Injuries

85 Appropriate Antivenoms for Malaysia

87 Authors & Image Contributors

88 References
 Acknowledgements
This publication was funded by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (KeTSA) to promote Malaysia Biodiversity Information System
(MyBIS) as a one-stop reference center, which provides and facilitates access to information on biodiversity and management in Malaysia.
We are indebted to our international contributors, the Faculty and Advisory Members of ASEAN Marine Animals and Snake Envenomation
Management (AMSEM)™ Symposium, for their invaluable contributions for this book. They provided photographs and information of land
snakes of medical importance in ASEAN countries. We thank them all for permission to use their images. We appreciate the outstanding skills
of the Remote Envenomation Consultancy Services (RECS)™ consultants on their committed support, for their unfailing help and keen interest
in making this book. They played a significant role in the identification of the species of every land snake and their profile, which relies on their
expert identification. We are greatly appreciating the strong institutional support from the past and present Director Generals of Forest Research
Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Dr. Khali Aziz Hamzah and Dr. Ismail Parlan, respectively. Last but not least, we thank the MyBIS team for providing
updated statistical analysis on biodiversity and as the coordinators of this book.

Coordinators
Tan Kok Kiat, Nur Hazwanie Abd Halim, Yasser Mohamed Ariffin and Norazah Norddin are the coordinators who directly involved in materialising
the publication. They performed a variety of editorial duties, include planning, designing, writing text, editing, managing to a prescribed budget
and supervising.

© Omar Khaidzir

iv v
Acknowledgements
This publication was funded by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (KeTSA) to promote Malaysia Biodiversity Information System
(MyBIS) as a one-stop reference center, which provides and facilitates access to information on biodiversity and management in Malaysia.
We are indebted to our international contributors, the Faculty and Advisory Members of ASEAN Marine Animals and Snake Envenomation
Management (AMSEM)™ Symposium, for their invaluable contributions for this book. They provided photographs and information of land
snakes of medical importance in ASEAN countries. We thank them all for permission to use their images. We appreciate the outstanding skills
of the Remote Envenomation Consultancy Services (RECS)™ consultants on their committed support, for their unfailing help and keen interest
in making this book. They played a significant role in the identification of the species of every land snake and their profile, which relies on their
expert identification. We are greatly appreciating the strong institutional support from the past and present Director Generals of Forest Research
Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Dr. Khali Aziz Hamzah and Dr. Ismail Parlan, respectively. Last but not least, we thank the MyBIS team for providing
updated statistical analysis on biodiversity and as the coordinators of this book.

Coordinators
Tan Kok Kiat, Nur Hazwanie Abd Halim, Yasser Mohamed Ariffin and Norazah Norddin are the coordinators who directly involved in materialising
the publication. They performed a variety of editorial duties, include planning, designing, writing text, editing, managing to a prescribed budget
and supervising.

v
© Yusuf Yamin

vi
Foreword
A developing country set in the tropics, Malaysia is blessed with a This book goes beyond making us aware of these important snakes
rich biodiversity associated with the tremendous varieties of natural in Malaysia. It covers the potentially dangerous snakes, along with a
habitats. An important component of this is a much neglected, and guide for treating snake-related injuries, and appropriate antivenom.
even maligned group are the snakes. Since healthcare professionals rarely, if ever, get formal training
in managing envenomation, this book promises to be an essential
Although most of nation’s herpetofaunal diversity are restricted to its resource for the identification and treatment of patients with potential
rainforests and mountains, a rather significant portion do indeed dwell envenoming from snake bites. In addition, those seeking to identify
in close proximity to humans, and are known to cause morbidity and species for other purposes (e.g., biodiversity or medical research,
mortality in humans. Inadequate knowledge and lack of information husbandry, visiting the outdoors, etc) will gain much from it.
about these important species often lead to incorrect medical
practices, sometimes leading to fatalities. Some poorly informed rural To conclude, this is a clearly written work, with pleasant infographics,
folks are known to administer inappropriate first-aid measures, and and needs to be in every healthcare professional’s library. My wish
consequently, vital time is lost before the patient is transported to a is to see improved knowledge and confidence level of healthcare
medical care facility. It has been estimated that at least one snake professionals in treating snake-bite patient translate to improved
bite case occurs daily, resulting in over a thousand cases annually. patient care and a better appreciation of the country’s biodiversity.

In Malaysia, animal bites and stings are not considered a notifiable Thank you.
disease, and as a result, not enough resources are allocated for this
area of healthcare and for its education. It is hoped that this book will
help healthcare professionals and the public gain knowledge on land DR ISMAIL B. HJ. PARLAN
snakes which are of substantial medical significance. Director General
About 225 snakes are now known from Malaysia. This book Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
recognises 36 of them that are of medical significance. Therefore,
a vast majority of our snakes are not only harmless, and of the
rest, only a few can potentially cause envenomation in humans, or
are otherwise dangerous. The main groups of medically significant
snakes are members of the families Elapidae (cobras, kraits, coral
snakes and sea snakes), Natricidae (some of the back-fanged
snakes), Pythonidae (pythons) and Viperidae (pit-vipers).

vii
© Lim, C.L.

viii
Overview
The range of snakes of medical significance in Malaysia currently and may cause significant systemic envenoming syndrome. Other
encompasses four families of snakes (Natricidae, Elapidae, members include cobras, the king cobra, kraits and coral snakes.
Pythonidae and Viperidae). There are limited data on the distribution • Viperidae (vipers and pit vipers are also front-fanged snakes),
of snakes in the country. The following account is based on available which could cause significant local and systemic envenoming
published information on snakes recorded from Peninsular Malaysia, syndrome.
Labuan, Sabah and Sarawak. This book should be viewed as a
• Natricidae (non-front-fanged) snakes, of which two or three
guide, especially for healthcare professionals, to identify and manage
species in Malaysia are potentially dangerous, in being able to
snake related injuries in Malaysia. Information on the snake species
cause significant systemic and local envenoming syndromes,
listed here is based on the local data and those from neighbouring while some of the others could probably cause limited local
countries. Due to their geographical proximity, snakes occurring in reactions.
Peninsular Malaysia are genetically closer to those from Thailand and
• Pythonidae (the giant constricting snakes), including pythons, all
Singapore, while those on Sabah and Sarawak are naturally closer to
species in this family are potentially dangerous to humans and
populations from Brunei Darussalam, Kalimantan and islands of the
can cause significant local injuries. Large-growing members of
southern Philippines. this species can even constrict and consume adult humans.
The terms “poisonous” and “venomous” refer to the biological use The purpose of this book is to highlight the potentially dangerous
(functionality) of the toxins on its intended prey or natural enemies. species to humans, with a list of the main potentially medically
The evolution of venom is mainly influenced by predation and significant snakes. It is important to note that if a species is not listed
defense. The clinical effect of venom on humans may or may not be below, it does not necessarily mean that it does not exist in Malaysia
the same. While a majority of snakes occurring in Malaysia are non- nor that its bite cannot cause harmful effects in humans. In particular,
venomous, and constitute no threat to humans, a number of species the list of non-front-fanged snakes has been selective, to include only
can cause mild to severe envenoming that may lead to permanent a number known to be of potential medical significance. Therefore,
disability or even death in humans. many common species belonging to several non-front-fanged families
(e.g., Colubridae) are not included. It is also important to note that a
The groups of interest include the following families:
poor surveillance of the pet trade and irresponsible importation of
• Elapidae (front-fanged snakes) are venomous snakes, which exotic snakes may introduce a medically significant species, which
are potentially dangerous and capable of causing significant is not indigenous to Malaysia. This may add to the complexity of
systemic and local envenoming syndrome. This group includes managing envenomings in this country.
all sea snakes, of which many are considered highly dangerous

1
MAP OF MALAYSIA

2
MAP OF MALAYSIA
Identifying Snakes in Malaysia

1. A reliable reference is invaluable for helping accurate 5. Knowledge of the biology, including habitat (e.g. terrestrial/
identification of snakes. Several are available in the market, arboreal/fossorial/aquatic) is also useful for making a positive
and all illustrate the species of medical significance. One identification–knowing where particular snakes tend to live
should be familiar with at least some of the identification will help you identify them.
characteristics of the potentially dangerous snakes in
6. Knowledge of patterns of activity (diurnal/nocturnal/
Malaysia.
crepuscular) of snakes may also help in identification.
2. The most noticeable characteristic about any snake, at first
glance, will be its colour. This can help identify some snakes
that are very distinctive in colouration. However, snakes also
vary in colouration, and several non-venomous snakes are
known to mimic venomous ones. Within the same species, the
sexes and growth stages may display different colouration.
3. An excellent character for the identification of snakes is its
scales. The shape, texture and number of scales are often
unique to each species. A knowledge of scale morphology is
useful if you have found a dead snake or a shed skin, but not
always useful for the identification of a live snake, for obvious
reasons!
4. Knowledge of the geographical distribution of a snake is helpful
for its identification. Several snakes are found widespread
in the country, while others have limited range, and may be © Ahmad Khaldun
further restricted to specific altitudes and habitats.
Elephant Trunk Snake
Acrochordus javanicus

Note:
The scientific names used in this book’s snake profiles are based on Uetz P. & Hošek, J. 2021. The Reptile Database. 6 July 2021.
http://www.reptile-database.org. Accessed 6 July 2021.

2 3
Instructions for Identification Pit Vipers – Head Shape & Scalation

1. Measure the length (and diameter) of the snake. Standard

measurements of snakes include tail length, head to vent
length and head width (especially relative to its neck).
2. Notice and describe the colours on the snake’s body, as well
Nostral
as any patterns. Stripes are marks lengthwise along the body; <
bands are marks across the body.
<

3. Look at the shape of snake’s head and tail (size and

arrangement of scales on the top of its head and under its tail Loreal pit
are important for identification).
4. Observe and count the scales (on head/midbody/anal/
subcaudals) on dead snakes. Observations on scales,
including texture (bearing a keel or not), pattern (overlapping
or situated next to each other) and colouration, in combination
with other morphological characteristics, are the principal Note:
means of classifying snakes to level of species. There is no simple way of differentiating a venomous snake from
5. Take pictures from different perspectives, especially entire a non-venomous one. Determining whether a snake is venomous
body in dorsal and ventral views (so that scale counts can is correctly done by identification of the species with the help of
be made later), head from dorsum, venter as well as lateral snake systematists. In their absence, close examination of the
views. Specialists of snakes can typically identify the snake snake (make sure that they are truly dead! Wounded snakes may
from these images. appear dead, and venomous species can inject venom after death
if carelessly handled – always treat a ‘dead’ specimen with great
caution and confirm the specimen is truly dead before relaxing
such cautions!) or good quality pictures, and using authoritative
references on the snakes of the particular geographical region,
will help to identify it. Reliable identification can be used to guide
the most appropriate management of the patient.

4
King Cobra – Head Scalation

F – frontal
O
IN – internasal
PTO
PRO La – supralabial
T
PF La’ – infralabial
IN
N – nasal
P – parietal
PF – prefrontal
R
PRO – preocular
N La’ La PTO – postocular
R – rostral
SO – supraocular
N
T – anterior & posterior temporals
O – occipital
SO
IN
P
R O
F
PF

5
Hamdan
© Omar
Hamdan Omar

6
 Symbols for Snake Profile
Food Source Venom Status

Rodent / Mammal Bird Frog/Toad Snake Fish Lizard

Non-venomous Venomous Undetermined

Habitat
Circadian Rhythms

SEMI- ARBOREAL ARBOREAL TERRESTRIAL FOSSORIAL SEMI AQUATIC AQUATIC

Living on low Living on
Diurnal Nocturnal
Living on Living Living partly on Living in water
vegetation trees land underground land and in water

Antivenom

NKAV OHAV BCAV BFAV CRAV

Naja kaouthia Ophiophagus hannah Bungarus candidus Bungarus fasciatus Calloselasma rhodostoma
Antivenom Antivenom Antivenom Antivenom Antivenom

GPAV HPAV NPAV RTAV

Green Pit Viper Hemato Polyvalent Snake Neuro Polyvalent Rhabdophis tigrinus
Antivenin Antivenom Snake Antivenom Antivenom

7
© Nurfarhana-Hizan, H.

8
 Species of
Medical
Significance
 ELAPIDAE

Adult
© Teo Eng Wah

MyBIS: 20831
Malayan Krait (EN)
BCAV
IUCN Red List
Ular Katam Tebu (BM)
Least
Concern Bungarus candidus
(LC) NPAV
10
 Adult Adult
© Teo Eng Wah © Teo Eng Wah

Juvenile Juvenile
© Tom Charlton © Taksa Vasaruchapong

11
 ELAPIDAE

Juvenile
© Taksa Vasaruchapong

MyBIS: 9935
Banded Krait (EN)
BFAV
IUCN Red List

Least
Ular Katam Belang (BM)
Concern Bungarus fasciatus
(LC)
NPAV
12
 Adult Adult
© Teo Eng Wah © Muhammad Khaidir Arif bin Che Mat

Adult Adult
© Tom Charlton © Muhammad Khaidir Arif bin Che Mat

13
 ELAPIDAE

Adult
© Teo Eng Wah

MyBIS: 9936
IUCN Red List Red-headed Krait (EN)
Ular Katam Kepala Merah (BM)
Least
Concern Bungarus flaviceps
(LC) NPAV
14
Adult (Peninsular Malaysia) Adult (Peninsular Malaysia)
B. f. flaviceps B. f. flaviceps
© Stephen Hogg © Teo Eng Wah

Adult (Borneo) Adult (Borneo)

B. f. baluensis B. f. baluensis
© Nick Weigner © Tom Charlton

15
 ELAPIDAE

Adult
C. b. flaviceps
© Teo Eng Wah

MyBIS: 48553
IUCN Red List Blue Malayan Coral Snake (EN)
Ular Pantai Biru (BM)
Least
Concern Calliophis bivirgatus
(LC)

16
 Adult (Borneo)
C. b. tetrataenia
© Indraneil Das

Adult (Peninsular Malaysia)

C. b. flaviceps
© Stephen Hogg

Adult (Peninsular Malaysia) Adult (Borneo)

C. b. flaviceps C. b. tetrataenia
© Teo Eng Wah © Teo Eng Wah

17
 ELAPIDAE

© Zee Kum Yeng

MyBIS: 9937
IUCN Red List Spotted Coral Snake (EN)
Ular Pantai Bintik (BM)
Data
Deficient Calliophis gracilis
(DD)

18
 Adult
© Kaviarasu Munian

19
 ELAPIDAE

Adult (Borneo)
C. i. thepassi
© Indraneil Das

MyBIS: 20886
IUCN Red List Malayan Striped Coral Snake (EN)
Least
Ular Pantai Belang (BM)
Concern Calliophis intestinalis
(LC)

20
 Adult (Peninsular Malaysia)
C. i. lineata
© Teo Eng Wah

Adult (Peninsular Malaysia)

C. i. lineata
© Teo Eng Wah

Adult (Peninsular Malaysia)

C. i. lineata
© Teo Eng Wah

21
 ELAPIDAE

Adult
© Guek Hock Ping @ Kurt

MyBIS: 20889
IUCN Red List Speckled Coral Snake (EN)
Ular Pantai Bintik Kecil (BM)
Least
Concern Calliophis maculiceps
(LC)

22
 Adult Adult
© Guek Hock Ping @ Kurt © Tom Charlton

Adult Adult
© Guek Hock Ping @ Kurt © Guek Hock Ping @ Kurt

23
 ELAPIDAE

Adult
© Steven Wong

MyBIS: 67720
IUCN Red List Banded Malaysian Coral (EN)
Calliophis nigrotaeniatus
Not
Evaluated
(NE)

24
Adult
© Steven Wong
25
 ELAPIDAE

Adult
© Teo Eng Wah

MyBIS: 21355
Monocled Cobra (EN)
NKAV
IUCN Red List
Ular Senduk (BM)
Least
Concern Naja kaouthia
(LC)
NPAV
26
 Adult
© Teo Eng Wah

Juvenile
© Teo Eng Wah

Adult
© Taksa Vasaruchapong

27
 ELAPIDAE

Adult
© Teo Eng Wah

MyBIS: 21356
Sumatran Spitting Cobra (EN)
NKAV
IUCN Red List
Ular Senduk Sembur (BM)
Least
Concern Naja sumatrana
(LC) NPAV
28
Adult (Peninsular Malaysia) Adult (Peninsular Malaysia) Juvenile (Borneo)
© Teo Eng Wah © Teo Eng Wah © Indraneil Das

Adult (Peninsular Malaysia)

Golden Spitting Cobra
© Teo Eng Wah

Adult (Thailand) Adult (Thailand)

Golden Spitting Cobra Golden Spitting Cobra
© Taksa Vasaruchapong © Taksa Vasaruchapong

29
 ELAPIDAE

Adult
© Ahmad Khaldun Ismail

MyBIS: 9942
King Cobra (EN)
OHAV
IUCN Red List
Ular Tedung Selar (BM)
Vulnerable
Ophiophagus hannah
(VU)
NPAV
30
Adult
© Teo Eng Wah

Juvenile
© Tom Charlton

Adult
© Teo Eng Wah

31
 NATRICIDAE

Adult
© Tom Charlton

MyBIS: 9927
IUCN Red List Speckle-bellied Keelback (EN)
Least
Ular Rabong Perut Bintik (BM)
Concern Rhabdophis chrysargos
(LC)

32
 Adult
© Teo Eng Wah

Juvenile Juvenile
© M. A. Muin © M. A. Muin

33
 NATRICIDAE

Adult
© Indraneil Das

MyBIS: 9926
IUCN Red List Red-bellied Keelback (EN)
Rhabdophis conspicillatus
Least
Concern
(LC)

34
 Adult
© Teo Eng Wah

35
 NATRICIDAE

Adult
© Mary-Ruth Low

MyBIS: 21336
IUCN Red List Orange-necked Keelback (EN)
Rhabdophis flaviceps
Least
Concern
(LC)

36
 Juvenile
© Guek Hock Ping @ Kurt

Adult
© Mary-Ruth Low

Juvenile
© Guek Hock Ping @ Kurt

Juvenile
© Guek Hock Ping @ Kurt

37
 NATRICIDAE

Adult
© Remco Hofland

MyBIS: 21530
IUCN Red List Gunung Murud Keelback (EN)
Rhabdophis murudensis
Least
Concern
(LC)

38
 Adult
© Remco Hofland

Adult
© Remco Hofland

Adult
© Remco Hofland

39
 NATRICIDAE

Adult
© Guek Hock Ping @ Kurt

MyBIS: 66278
IUCN Red List Blue-necked Keelback (EN)
Rhabdophis rhodomelas
Least
Concern
(LC)

40
 Adult
© Guek Hock Ping @ Kurt

41
 NATRICIDAE

Adult (Thailand)
© Taksa Vasaruchapong

MyBIS: 21531
IUCN Red List Thai Red-necked Keelback (EN)
Rhabdophis siamensis
Least
Concern
(LC) RTAV
42
 Adult Juvenile
© Taksa Vasaruchapong © Max Jackson

Adult Juvenile
© Guek Hock Ping @ Kurt © Gernot Vogel

43
 PYTHONIDAE

Juvenile
© Teo Eng Wah

MyBIS: 58057
IUCN Red List Reticulated Python (EN)
Ular Sawa Batik (BM)
Least
Concern Malayopython reticulatus
(LC)

44
Juvenile Adult
© Teo Eng Wah © Ahmad Khaldun

Juvenile Adult
© Teo Eng Wah © Teo Eng Wah

45
 PYTHONIDAE

Adult
© Teo Eng Wah

MyBIS: 21538
IUCN Red List Borneo Python (EN)
Ular Ripen (BM)
Least
Concern Python breitensteini
(LC)

46
 Adult Female Adult
© Teo Eng Wah © Teo Eng Wah

Adult Female Adult Female

© Teo Eng Wah © Teo Eng Wah

47
 PYTHONIDAE

Adult
© Teo Eng Wah

MyBIS: 21539
IUCN Red List Blood Python (EN)
Ular Sawa Darah (BM)
Least
Concern Python brongersmai
(LC)

48
Adult Adult
© Teo Eng Wah © Teo Eng Wah

Juvenile Juvenile
© Teo Eng Wah © Teo Eng Wah

49
 VIPERIDAE

Adult
© Teo Eng Wah

MyBIS: 20891
IUCN Red List Malayan Pit Viper (EN)
CRAV Ular Kapak Bodoh (BM)
Least
Concern Calloselasma rhodostoma
(LC) HPAV
50
Adult
© Teo Eng Wah

Adult
© Teo Eng Wah

Adult (Thailand)
© Taksa Vasaruchapong

Adult
© Teo Eng Wah

51
 VIPERIDAE

Adult
© Tom Charlton

MyBIS: 22578
Kinabalu Brown Pit Viper (EN)
GPAV
IUCN Red List
Ular Kapak Perang Kinabalu (BM)
Least
Concern Garthius chaseni
(LC)
HPAV
52
Adult Adult
© Guek Hock Ping @ Kurt © Guek Hock Ping @ Kurt

53
 VIPERIDAE

Adult
© Stephen Hogg

MyBIS: 21434
Indo-Malayan Mountain Pit Viper (EN)
GPAV
IUCN Red List

Least
Ular Kapak Gunung (BM)
Concern Ovophis convictus
(LC)
HPAV
54
 Adult Adult
© Teo Eng Wah © Muhammad Khaidir Arif bin Che Mat

Juvenile Juvenile
© Teo Eng Wah © Teo Eng Wah

55
 VIPERIDAE

Adult
© Indraneil Das

MyBIS: 21659
IUCN Red List Bornean Palm Pit Viper (EN)
Least
GPAV Ular Kapak Borneo (BM)
Concern Trimeresurus borneensis
(LC)
HPAV
56
Sub-Adult Sub-Adult
© Tan Song Wei © Tan Song Wei

Sub-Adult Juvenile Juvenile

© Tan Song Wei © Indraneil Das © Indraneil Das

Adult
© Teo Eng Wah

57
 VIPERIDAE

Adult
© Teo Eng Wah

MyBIS: 09931
Hagen’s Pit Viper (EN)
GPAV
IUCN Red List
Ular Kapak Hagen (BM)
Least
Concern Trimeresurus hageni
(LC) HPAV
58
 Adult Female
© Teo Eng Wah

Juvenile Adult Shedding

© Teo Eng Wah © Teo Eng Wah

Adult (Thailand)
© Taksa Vasaruchapong

59
 VIPERIDAE

Adult
© Guek Hock Ping @ Kurt

MyBIS: 58145
Malcolm’s Pit Viper (EN)
GPAV
IUCN Red List
Ular Kapak Malcolm (BM)
Near
Threatened Trimeresurus malcolmi
(NT)
HPAV
60
 Adult
© Tom Charlton

Adult Adult
© Indraneil Das © Guek Hock Ping @ Kurt

61
 VIPERIDAE

Adult
© Teo Eng Wah

MyBIS: 58162
IUCN Red List Cameron Highlands Pit Viper (EN)
GPAV Ular Kapak Cameron (BM)
Vulnerable
Trimeresurus nebularis
(VU)
HPAV
62
 Adult Adult
© Teo Eng Wah © Stephen Hogg

Adult Adult
© Teo Eng Wah © Teo Eng Wah

63
 VIPERIDAE

Adult
© Teo Eng Wah

MyBIS: 57766
IUCN Red List Mangrove Pit Viper (EN)
GPAV Ular Kapak Bakau (BM)
Least
Concern Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus
(LC) HPAV
64
 Adult Adult Adult
© Teo Eng Wah © Teo Eng Wah © Gernot Vogel

Adult Adult Adult

© Gernot Vogel © Taksa Vasaruchapong © Taksa Vasaruchapong
65
 VIPERIDAE

Adult
© Peter Lee Shiuh Hwa

MyBIS: 58159
Fairy Pit Viper (EN) Tioman
GPAV
IUCN Red List
Island
Ular Kapak Pulau Tioman (BM)
Endangered Trimeresurus sabahi buniana
(EN)
HPAV
66
 Adult
© Peter Lee Shiuh Hwa

Adult
© Peter Lee Shiuh Hwa

67
 VIPERIDAE

Adult Male
© Teo Eng Wah

MyBIS: 58164
IUCN Red List Siamese Peninsula Pit Viper (EN)
GPAV Trimeresurus sabahi fucatus
Least
Concern
(LC) HPAV
68
 Adult Male Adult Female
© Teo Eng Wah © Teo Eng Wah

Adult Male
© Teo Eng Wah

Adult Female
© Teo Eng Wah

69
 VIPERIDAE

Adult
© Tom Charlton

MyBIS: 58159
Ular Kapak Sabah (BM)
GPAV
IUCN Red List
Trimeresurus sabahi sabahi
Least
Concern
(LC)
HPAV
70
 Adult
© Indraneil Das

Adult
© Indraneil Das

Adult
© Tom Charlton

71
 VIPERIDAE

Adult
© Gernot Vogel

MyBIS: 58157
Sumatran Pit Viper (EN)
GPAV
IUCN Red List
Ular Kapak Sumatra (BM)
Least
Concern Trimeresurus sumatranus
(LC) HPAV
72
 Adult
© Indraneil Das

Juvenile
© Teo Eng Wah
73
 VIPERIDAE

Adult
© Tom Charlton

MyBIS: 53771
Beautiful Pit Viper (EN)
GPAV Trimeresurus venustus

HPAV Langkawi
Island

74
 Adult
© Tom Charlton

75
 VIPERIDAE

Adult
© Teo Eng Wah

MyBIS: 53772
Wirot’s Palm Pit Viper (EN)
GPAV
IUCN Red List
Trimeresurus wiroti
Least
Concern
(LC) HPAV
76
 Adult Adult
© Teo Eng Wah © Teo Eng Wah

Adult Adult
© Teo Eng Wah © Muhammad Khaidir Arif bin Che Mat

77
 VIPERIDAE

Adult Female
© Teo Eng Wah

MyBIS: 57443
Bornean Keeled Pit Viper (EN)
GPAV
IUCN Red List
Tropidolaemus subannulatus
Least
Concern
(LC) HPAV
78
 Adult
© Indraneil Das

Adult Female
© Teo Eng Wah

Juvenile Male Juvenile Juvenile

© Teo Eng Wah © Teo Eng Wah © Teo Eng Wah

79
 VIPERIDAE

Adult Female
© Teo Eng Wah

MyBIS: 21662
Wagler's Pit Viper (EN)
GPAV
IUCN Red List

Least
Ular Kapak Tokong (BM)
Concern Tropidolaemus wagleri
(LC)
HPAV
80
Adult Female Adult Male & Female
© Teo Eng Wah © Teo Eng Wah

Adult Male Adult Male Sub-adult Female

© Teo Eng Wah © Teo Eng Wah © Muhammad Khaidir Arif bin Che Mat

81
© Yusuf Yamin

82
 Recommendations for
Early Intervention Following Snake Related Injuries

Do's

>

• Calm patient, reduce movement and immobilise

• Remove jewelry from affected limb
• Bring patient to nearest hospital with emergency services

Don'ts

Go to traditional Suck the wound Cut the wound Tie ligatures Massage Apply ice or Burn the wound Apply or ingest
healer electric shock herbal remedies

83
© Omar Khaidzir

84
 APPROPRIATE ANTIVENOMS FOR MALAYSIA
Antivenom raised from Antivenom manufacturer First Dose/vials
Monocled Cobra, Naja kaouthia QSMI Thai Red Cross: Cobra Antivenom to 100mls/10 vials Subsequent dose
neutralize 0.6 mg/ml of venom 1-2 hr
King Cobra, Ophiophagus hannah QSMI Thai Red Cross: King Cobra Antivenom to 100mls/10 vials Subsequent dose
neutralize 0.8 mg/ml of venom 1-2 hr
Malayan Krait, Bungarus candidus QSMI Thai Red Cross: Malayan Krait Antivenom to 50mls/5 vials Subsequent dose
neutralize 0.4 mg/ml of venom 1-2 hr
Banded Krait, Bungarus fasciatus QSMI Thai Red Cross: Banded Krait Antivenom 50mls/5 vials Subsequent dose
to neutralize 0.6 mg/ml of venom 1-2 hr
Malayan Pit Viper, Calloselasma rhodostoma QSMI Thai Red Cross: Malayan Pit Viper 30mls/3 vials Subsequent dose
Antivenom to neutralize 1.6 mg/ml of venom 6 hr
Green Pit Viper, Trimeresurus albolabris QSMI Thai Red Cross: Green Pit Viper Antivenom 30mls/3 vials Subsequent dose
to neutralize 0.7 mg/ml of venom 6 hr
Malayan Pit Viper, Calloselasma rhodostoma, Green Pit Viper, QSMI Thai Red Cross: Hemato Polyvalent Snake 30mls/3 vials Subsequent dose
Trimeresurus albolabris, SEA Russell’s Viper, Daboia siamensis Antivenom 6 hr
Monocled Cobra, Naja kaouthia, King Cobra, Ophiophagus QSMI Thai Red Cross: Neuro Polyvalent Snake 50-100mls/ 5-10 vials Subsequent
hannah, Banded Krait, Bungarus fasciatus, Malayan Krait, Antivenom dose 1-2 hr
Bungarus candidus.
Tiger Keelback, Rhabdophis tigrinus Japan Snake Institute: Tiger Keelback, Rhabdophis One vial (one additional vial if
tigrinus Antivenom clinically indicated/available)
Beaked Sea Snake, Hydrophis schistosus CSL, Australia: Sea Snake Antivenom 10-30mls/1-3 vials Subsequent
dose 1-2 hr
Note:
Subsequent doses are according to the clinical symptoms. Monocled cobra, Naja kaouthia Tiger keelback, Rhabdophis tigrinus antivenom neutralizes Red-necked keelback,
antivenom has good cross neutralization with the Equatorial spitting cobra, Naja sumatrana Rhabdophis subminiatus venom in animal models and should be considered for severe Red-
venom. Malayan pit viper, Calloselasma rhodostoma, SEA Russell’s Viper, Daboia siamensis necked keelback, Rhabdophis subminiatus envenomings in humans whenever possible.
and Monocled cobra, Naja kaouthia are not indigenous to Borneo. The ViNS Indian However, at this time, this antivenom is not manufactured and supplies are limited to a
Polyvalent antivenom is not appropriate for treating pit viper envenomations in Malaysia. It single archived lot produced in 2000. Therefore, this antivenom is very difficult to obtain
may have limited neutralizing capacity against the venoms of Equatorial spitting cobra, Naja and may remain unavailable, but should be sought for treatment of serious envenoming
sumatrana, Monocled cobra, Naja kaouthia, King cobra, Ophiophagus hannah and Malayan by R. subminiatus.
krait, Bungarus candidus. However, its use is not recommended in Malaysia or SEA region.

85
 Appropriate Antivenoms for Venomous Land Snakes in Malaysia

QSMI Thai Red Cross: Cobra QSMI Thai Red Cross: King Cobra QSMI Thai Red Cross: Malayan QSMI Thai Red Cross: Banded
Antivenom to neutralize 0.6 mg/ml Antivenom to neutralize 0.8 mg/ml Krait Antivenom to neutralize 0.4 Krait Antivenom to neutralize 0.6
of venom of venom mg/ml of venom mg/ml of venom

QSMI Thai Red Cross: Malayan QSMI Thai Red Cross: Green Pit QSMI Thai Red Cross: Hemato QSMI Thai Red Cross: Neuro
Pit Viper Antivenom to neutralize Viper Antivenom to neutralize 0.7 Polyvalent Snake Antivenom Polyvalent Snake Antivenom
1.6 mg/ml of venom mg/ml of venom

86
Authors Image Contributors
AHMAD KHALDUN ISMAIL Ahmad Khaldun Ismail
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Associate Professor & Consultant Emergency Physician
Gernot Vogel
Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Heidelberg, Germany
Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Guek Hock Ping (Kurt aka orionmystery)
Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Orion Herp Adventure Travel, Malaysia
Indraneil Das
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
TEO ENG WAH (VINCE ADAM) Kaviarasu A/L Munian
Senior Lecturer Forest Reserve Institute Malaysia
Centre For Sport and Exercise Science, Mary-Ruth Low
Wildlife Reserves, Singapore
Universiti Malaya,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Max Jackson
Queensland, Australia
Mohd Abdul Muin Md Akil
INDRANEIL DAS Universiti Sains Malaysia

Professor Muhammad Khaidir Arif Bin Chek Mat @ Chemat

ID Ular Malaysia
Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, Nick Weigner
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, James Cook University, Australia
Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia Peter Lee Shiuh Hwa
Singapore
Remco Hofland
TAKSA VASARUCHAPONG Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Veterinarian Stephen Hogg
Fraser’s Hill, Malaysia
Snake Farm,
Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, Steven Wong
Malaysian Nature Society Selangor & Nature Inspired, Malaysia
Thai Red Cross Society,
Bangkok, Thailand. Taksa Vasaruchapong
Snake Farm, Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, Thailand
Tan Song Wei
SCOTT A. WEINSTEIN
Sarawak, Malaysia
Associate Professor & Clinical Toxinologist Teo Eng Wah (aka Vince Adam)
Department of Toxinology, Universiti Malaya
Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Tom Charlton
North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. Eco Animal Encounters, United Kingdom
Zee Kum Yeng
Penang, Malaysia

87
References
Cox M.J., Hoover M.F., Lawan C. & Kumthorn T. (2012). The snakes Patikorn, C., Leelavanich, D., Ismail, A.K., Othman, I., Taychakhoonavudh,
of Thailand. Chulalongkorn, University Museum of National History, S., & Chaiyakunapruk, N. (2020). Global systematic review of cost of illness
Thailand. pp. 845. and economic evaluation studies associated with snakebite. J Glob Health
10:020415.
Das I. (2012). A Naturalist's Guide to the Snakes of South-East
Asia: Including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar, Borneo, Rusli N., Marlon R., Lilley R., Ekariyono W. & Laister A. (2016). Mengenal
Sumatra, Java and Bali. John Beaufoy Publishing, Oxford, England. Ular Jabodetabek - Snakes of Jakarta and Its Surroundings. Ciliwung
pp. 160. Reptile Center, Jakarta, Indonesia. pp. 168.

Das, I., Ahmed, N., & Lim, B. L. (2015). Venomous terrestrial snakes Sibunruang S., Suteparuk S. & Sitprija V. (2013). Manual of Practical
of Malaysia: Their identity and biology. Clinical Toxinology in Asia Management of Snake-bites and Animal Toxin Injury. Bangkok: Queen
Pacific and Africa, 53-69. Saovabha Memorial Institute, The Thai Red Cross Society, Thailand. pp.
88.
Ismail, A. K. (2015). Snakebite and envenomation management in
Malaysia. Clinical Toxinology in Asia Pacific and Africa, 71-102. Sitprija V. & Suteparuk S. (2012). Clinical Physiology of Animal Toxins:
An Overview. Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, The Thai Red Cross
Ismail, A. K. (2017). Quick Guide on Snakebite Management Society, Thailand. pp. 119.
for Healthcare Providers in Malaysia. Retrieved June 21, 2017,
from https://www.dropbox.com/s/zsz2l7rizoltwjo/Snakebite%20 Snake Farm Exhibition. 2010. Snake Farm, Queen Saovabha Memorial
Management%20Guide%20for%20Healthcare%20Providers%20 Institute, The Thai Red Cross Society, Thailand. pp. 97.
in%20Malaysia. pdf?dl=0.
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved June 21, 2017, from
Malaysia Biodiversity Information System. Retrieved June 21, 2017, http://www.iucnredlist.org/.
from http://www.mybis.gov.my/one/.
Uetz P. & Hošek, J. 2021. The Reptile Database. 6 July 2021.
Marlon R., Supriatna J., Liswanto D., Baskoro K., Putra S. & Patty http://www.reptile-database.org. Accessed 6 July 2021.
H.R. (2014). Panduan Visual dan Identifikasi Lapangan: 107+ Ular
Indonesia. Indonesia Nature & Wildlife Publishing, Indonesia. pp. 251. Weinstein, S.A. (2015). Snake venoms: A brief treatise on etymology,
origins of terminology, and definitions. Toxicon 103: 188–195.
Nurfarhana-Hizan, H., Nur Hazwanie, A.H. & Ahmad Khaldun, I.
(2020). The venomous snake species most frequently causing World Health Organization. (2016). Guidelines for the Management of
injuries in Malaysia from 2017-2019. Conservation Malaysia Bulletin Snakebites, 2nd edition. World Health Organization: Regional Office for
(32): pp. 6-8. South-East Asia: New Delhi, India. pp. 201.

88
 Land Snakes of Medical Significance in Malaysia

While a majority of snakes occurring in Malaysia are not equipped with venom and constitute little threat to humans,
a number of species can cause envenoming that may lead to permanent disability or death. The range of snakes
of medical significance in Malaysia encompasses the families Natricidae, Elapidae, Pythonidae and Viperidae.
The third edition of Land Snakes of Medical Significance in Malaysia covers 36 land snakes, each account with
easy to use infographics and multiple images when available, to show the different life history stages and sexes.
It is intended as a guide for healthcare providers, and the general public permitting them to identify and manage
potential snake related injuries. The purpose of this book is also to increase awareness of the beauty and diversity
of a critical component of Malaysia’s biodiversity.

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