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PanduanHewanKENALI · PEDULI · LINDUNGI
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PANDUANHEWAN · INDONESIA

Wagler's Pit Viper

Wagler's Pit Viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri). Wagler's pitviper is a venomous Southeast Asian snake; the 'temple' nickname comes from a well-known site, not every habitat.

PanduanHewan·Updated 23 September 2026·Tropidolaemus wagleri
About this guideThis guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.
Photograph of Wagler's Pit Viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri).
(c) Guido Bohne, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photograph cropped for layout.

What is the Wagler's Pit Viper?

Wagler's Pit Viper refers to Tropidolaemus wagleri, in the genus Tropidolaemus, family Viperidae, and class Squamata. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗

What is known about the Wagler's Pit Viper?

Wagler's pitviper is a venomous Southeast Asian snake; the 'temple' nickname comes from a well-known site, not every habitat.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗

Habitat and field observations of the Wagler's Pit Viper

In a West Sumatran survey, young snakes were found on the forest floor while some adults perched above ground during rainy nights. That pattern describes the surveyed place and time; do not approach or handle a venomous snake to check it.

Evidence: Teynié, David & Ohler (2010) — Western Sumatra herpetofauna field study ↗

How many Indonesian records name the Wagler's Pit Viper?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 272 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Sumatera Utara, Jambi, Riau. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

How can you observe the Wagler's Pit Viper?

A safe-distance photograph can record body, head and tail pattern and locality without handling the animal. Colour alone cannot establish whether a snake is venomous; seek local professional help if there is risk. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Wagler's Pit Viper with White-lipped Pit Viper, White-lipped Island Pitviper, Emerald Tree Skink. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

Sources & references

  1. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
  2. GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
  3. Teynié, David & Ohler (2010) — Western Sumatra herpetofauna field study ↗
  4. iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
  5. Species account — background reading ↗

References can change. Check dates and context in the original source.