Sri Lanka Humpnose Viper
EN

Sri Lanka Humpnose Viper

Hypnale nepa

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypnale_nepa

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Hypnale nepa faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in Sri Lanka's wet zone. Deforestation for tea plantations and human settlements has fragmented the remaining forest patches where this endemic pit viper occurs. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized habitat loss, while collection for the illegal wildlife trade poses an additional threat to remaining populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Sri Lankan pit viper inhabits primary and secondary rainforests in the island's wet zone, typically found in montane and submontane forest areas at elevations between 300-1,500 meters. The species shows preference for dense forest canopy and understory vegetation where it hunts small vertebrates.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Sri Lanka Humpnose Viper classified as Endangered?
Sri Lanka Humpnose Viper is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Hypnale nepa faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in Sri Lanka's wet zone. Deforestation for tea plantations and human settlements has fragmented the remaining forest patches where this endemic pit viper occurs. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized habitat loss, while collection for the illegal wildlife trade poses an additional threat to remaining populations.
Where does Sri Lanka Humpnose Viper live?
Sri Lanka Humpnose Viper occurs in Sri Lanka. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Sri Lanka Humpnose Viper?
The main threats to Sri Lanka Humpnose Viper are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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