Jararaca
FamilyViperidae
Venom TypeVenomous
Max Length1.6 m
RangeSouth America
HabitatForests, Farmland
DietSmall mammals
Danger LevelHigh
About the Jararaca
The snake whose venom led to the development of ACE inhibitor drugs (captopril), used by millions worldwide to treat high blood pressure. One of the best-known snakes in Brazil. Their name comes from the Tupi language. Active at dusk and dawn. Bites cause significant tissue damage but fatalities have decreased with antivenom availability.
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