Reptiles

Snake

Indian Saw-scaled Viper

Echis carinatus

Arguably the most relevant consideration to take into account when trying to determine which is the deadliest snake is which species is responsible for the highest number of human deaths. This is difficult to ascertain definitively, since most deaths through snakebite occur in the poorest areas of the world and a large proportion of cases are not reported, but a strong candidate in this category is the Indian Saw-scaled Viper (Echis carinatus). This is an extremely aggressive species that bites with little provocation and which has a cryptic colouration that make them difficult to detect. They also have a propensity to live in densely populated urban areas making them far more likely to be encountered by humans than most other deadly snake species.

Saw-scaled Vipers (Clockwise from top : Echis pyramidum, E. carinatus, E. coloratus, & E. ocellatus)

Saw-scaled Vipers get their English name from the specialised scales on its body that when rubbed together emit a "sizzling" warning sound which it would be wise not to ignore!

Saw-scaled Vipers (From left to right : Echis pyramidum, E. ocellatus, E. coloratus, & E. carinatus)

Saw-scaled Vipers (From left to right : Echis pyramidum, E. ocellatus, E. coloratus, & E. carinatus)

Saw-scaled Vipers (Clockwise from top-left : E. ocellatus, E. carinatus, E. coloratus, E. pyramidum & E. carinatus)

All of the photos shown above are of a captive individuals photographed in a studio setting.