Stories
Rajsamand: 'Merchant of Death' Russell's Viper Rescued from Wall, Mistaken for Python-like 'Chitti'.
- •A rare and dangerous Russell's viper, locally known as 'chitti', was found hidden in a wall in Mokada village, Rajsamand.
- •Wildlife enthusiast Naveen Gehlot safely rescued the venomous snake and released it into a natural forest area.
- •Russell's viper is rarely seen in Rajsamand; this is only the third rescue of its kind in 8 years.
- •The Russell's viper is one of India's 'Big Four' most venomous snakes, possessing hemotoxic venom.
- •It resembles a python, has dark brown circular spots, and hisses loudly when threatened.
Key Questions Answered
The Russell's viper is a prominent member of India's "Big Four" most venomous snakes and is known locally in rural areas as 'chitti'. Its venom is hemotoxic, meaning it directly affects the blood by destroying red blood cells, causing blood clots, internal bleeding, and a high risk of kidney failure.
Finding a Russell's viper in the geographical conditions of the Rajsamand district is very rare. According to reports, a recent rescue in Mokada village marked only the third time this rare snake species has been rescued in the district over the last 8 years.
A Russell's viper has a robust body with a triangular head and features three rows of dark brown circular or oval chain-like spots. Because of these mottled spots, it is called 'chitti' in rural areas, and its robust build often leads people to mistake it for a baby python.
