Viper gives birth to 53 offspring

A Russell’s Viper in the park has given birth to 53 young ones. The Forest Department officials said the young ones were born on May 31, 2011 and would be released into the forest soon.

However, Snake Shyam,  herpetologist from Mysore told Deccan Herald that it was not a rare phenomenon. He  had rescued a snake which had given birth to 70 young ones, two years ago.

He said there were several examples of Russell’s Vipers giving birth to young ones numbering more than 50. According to him, vipers are the only species among venomous snakes to give birth to young ones. The other species of vipers found in India are Saw Scaled Viper, Bamboo Pit Viper and Malabar Pit Viper. The Malabar Pit Viper is the smallest among them measuring just about 1.5 foot.

However, there are non-venomous snakes, like the Green Vine Snake and the  Sand Boa, which give birth to young ones. 

Shyam said this being a favourable season for eggs to hatch, a lot many young snakes are being rescued.

He said the snakes laid eggs in the month of February based on weather condition and the eggs hatch after a minimum of 45-60 days. Vipers store their eggs in their body and then give birth to young ones.