Species of Snakes Found in the Rainforest

The abundance and variety of plants, mammals, reptiles and amphibians of a rainforest make it easy to understand why it is the most bio-diverse environment on Earth. Among the countless species of animals that reside in the rainforest, some of the most known and recognized are snakes.

  1. Eyelash Viper

    • The eyelash viper (Bothriechis schlegelii) lives in the rainforest throughout Central and South America. This venomous snake gets its name from the distinct scales over its eyes. The snake is typically between 18 and 30 inches long. Unlike many snakes, the eyelash viper has rough scales to protect itself against tree branches.

    Gaboon Viper

    • The gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica) lives in rainforests of eastern and western central Africa. This viper has the longest fangs of any venomous snake and feeds on small animals, birds and amphibians. The snake can grow to a length of 24 to 72 inches and has incredibly effective camouflage.

    Green Tree Python

    • The green tree python (Morelia viridis) lives in rainforests of northern Australia and New Guinea. This non-venomous, carnivorous snake is characterized by its bright green body with either blue, white or yellow spots scattered all over. It can grow to a length of approximately 5 to 7 feet and feeds primarily on small mammals and sometimes reptiles.

    Fer-de-lance

    • The fer-de-Lance (Bothrops atrox) or "spearhead" is a snake native to rainforests of Central and South America. This snake is considered to be the most dangerous species, since it causes more human deaths than any other snake in the region. It is a veonmous snake that feeds on small mammals and birds. The fer-de-lance lives on the ground and can grow to be approximately 6 to 8 feet.

    Green Anaconda

    • The green anaconda (Eunectes murinus) is the biggest and one of the most notorious snakes and lives in the rainforests of South America. It grows to an average length of 29 feet and can weigh approximately 550 lbs. Because of its size, the green anaconda's diet is typically bigger animals, such as capybaras, deer and even jaguars. However, it also feeds on smaller prey. This non-venomous, constrictor snake is identifiable by its dark green skin with black, oval spots. The green anaconda also emits an unpleasant, pungent smell to keep small, poisonous organisms away.