23/10/2026
🐍 ANAMALAI PIT VIPER | A JEWEL OF THE WESTERN GHATS
There is something extraordinary about encountering a pit viper in the dense, mysterious rainforests of the Western Ghats. The Anamalai Pit Viper (Craspedocephalus anamallensis), with its striking copper-orange colouration, beautifully patterned scales and unmistakable triangular head, is a fascinating example of evolutionary adaptation.
An ambush predator, this venomous snake relies on patience, camouflage and specialised heat-sensing pits to detect warm-blooded prey, even in near darkness. Perfectly adapted to its rainforest habitat, it often remains motionless for extended periods, blending into the surrounding vegetation.
For me, photographing these remarkable reptiles is as much about capturing their beauty as it is about portraying their relationship with the environment. Using a wide-angle perspective allows the snake to become part of a much larger story, one that celebrates the extraordinary biodiversity of our tropical rainforests.
Munnar, Western Ghats | Rainforest Diaries 🌿
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