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Kham Plateau pit viper
Protobothrops xiangchengensis
A rarely encountered venomous pit viper native exclusively to high-altitude mountainous zones in southwestern China, fiercely adapted to freezing climates and rocky terrains.
Class:Squamata
Order:Squamata
Family:Viperidae
Subfamily:Crotalinae
Genus:Protobothrops
Species:Protobothrops xiangchengensis
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
60 - 80 %
Day temperature
25 - 29 °C
Night temperature
21 - 24 °C
Adult size
88.9 cm
UVB
Low - Medium
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: This species is endemic to the mountainous regions of the Kham Plateau, spanning western Sichuan, eastern Tibet, and northwestern Yunnan in China. It inhabits alpine meadows, rocky shrubby slopes, and cool forest edges at elevations between 3,000 and 4,000 meters above sea level. The climate is harsh with very brief, cool summers and long, freezing winters.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Belonging to the family Viperidae, subfamily Crotalinae, and genus Protobothrops. It was originally described under the genus Trimeresurus but was later reassigned to Protobothrops based on phylogenetic studies and cranial osteology. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Behavior and Habits: Like most pit vipers, it is a strictly solitary reptile. It exhibits terrestrial habits and is primarily active during crepuscular and nocturnal hours, although it will bask openly on rocks during sunny, cool mornings. It is an ambush predator that remains motionless for long periods.
Morphology: The dorsal coloration consists of a grayish-brown or dark brown ground color, patterned with dark brown to blackish irregular transverse bands or blotches. There is minor sexual dimorphism: adult females are typically larger and have heavier bodies, while males possess longer tails relative to their body length.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: An enclosure measuring at least 90x50x50 cm is required, fitted with secure locking mechanisms. The substrate should consist of a dry mixture of peat soil and coarse sand, furnished with secure flat rocks and hollow cork bark logs to offer cryptic hideouts.
Lighting and Heating: Keep daytime temperatures cool, around 20-23°C (68-73°F), with a localized basking spot of 26-28°C (79-82°F). A significant nighttime temperature drop down to 14-16°C (57-61°F) is essential. Provide low-output UVB lighting.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain stable humidity at 45-55%. Mist lightly one to two times weekly in a corner of the terrarium. A heavy, shallow ceramic bowl with fresh water must be placed in the cool corner of the enclosure.
Feeding and Supplementation: Feed appropriate-sized thawed mice or small rats every 10-14 days using extra-long feeding tongs. Juvenile specimens may prefer geckos or frogs. Dust the food with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements once a month for juveniles.
Compatibility: Strictly solitary and highly venomous. Specimens must be housed individually to prevent stress, fights, or accidental envenomation. Enclosures must be locked at all times to prevent unauthorized access or escape.
Health and Common Diseases: Highly susceptible to heat stroke; temperatures exceeding 29°C (84°F) can be fatal. Excessively wet substrate or lack of proper ventilation will lead to necrotic dermatitis (scale rot) and respiratory infections.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
This species is endemic to the mountainous regions of the Kham Plateau, spanning western Sichuan, eastern Tibet, and northwestern Yunnan in China. It inhabits alpine meadows, rocky shrubby slopes, and cool forest edges at elevations between 3,000 and 4,000 meters above sea level. The climate is harsh with very brief, cool summers and long, freezing winters.
Origin
East Asia
Reptile profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 88.9 cm
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
The catalog's scalar value is 88.9 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 88.9 cm for this species, recorded as total length (TL). These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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