Snakes Found in Southeast Asia

Snakes are found in almost all areas of the world, and species vary depending on the type of location. Just as water moccasins are more prevalent in the southeastern United States because of swamp lands and waterways, snakes found in southeast Asia are drawn to the region's tropical climate and diverse physical landscape. They range from small to large and nonthreatening to extremely poisonous.

  1. Indian Python

    • This large snake is found in Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, and Bangladesh. It can reach up to 20 feet in length and, in rare cases, up to 30 feet. This species has the ability to climb trees as well as peruse the landscape from under water. It feeds on small mammals and generally kills its prey by wrapping around it and constricting until the animal suffocates. According to the Ecology Asia website, this snake's markings consist of brown patches with black edges on light orange or yellow brown skin. A V-shaped mark on its head distinguishes it from other species of python.

    Golden Tree Snake

    • This snake lives in a variety of different habitats, from forests to gardens to farm areas. What makes this particular species unique is its ability to propel itself through the air, leaping onto unsuspecting prey, which includes mice and other small snakes. According to Ecology Asia, the golden tree snake is black with green markings. It is found in Burma, Indochina, Thailand and some southern regions of China.

    Krait

    • According to Nature Malaysia, the krait is a venomous snake found in parts of Malaysia, Indonesia, Borneo and Thailand. In fact, certain species of krait possess a level of venom that is equal to that of a cobra, one of the most poisonous snakes in the world. The krait is nocturnal and flashes its tail in the air when it feels threatened. Kraits mostly feed on other snakes and skinks (a type of small lizard). They live in the rainforests of southeast Asia as well as the coastal areas of the region.