Golden Lancehead
FamilyViperidae
Venom TypeVenomous
Max Length1.2 m
RangeIlha da Queimada Grande, Brazil
HabitatIsland forest
DietMigratory birds
Danger LevelHigh
About the Golden Lancehead
Found only on Ilha da Queimada Grande, a small island off the coast of Sao Paulo, Brazil, often called Snake Island. Isolated by rising sea levels, it evolved to feed on migratory birds that rest on the island. Its venom is thought to be fast-acting to stop birds before they fly away. Listed as Critically Endangered. Public visits to the island are banned by the Brazilian government.
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