Quick answer
IUCN status: Least ConcernWagler's Pit Viper at a glance
Wagler's Pit Viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri) is a reptile in the family Viperidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from North Sumatra, Jambi, Riau. Diet: predator of rodents and birds; a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Tropidolaemus wagleri |
|---|---|
| Group | Reptiles |
| Family | Viperidae |
| Observation records | North Sumatra, Jambi, Riau |
| Taxonomic group | Squamata |
| GBIF records | 272 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — predator of rodents and birds · Ecology Asia |
| Reproduction | Ovoviviparity: eggs hatch inside the mother and live young are born · Reptile Database |
| Venom or poison | Venomous · Clinical Toxinology Resources (WCH / Univ. of Adelaide): Tropidolaemus wagleri (archived copy) |
| Active | Nocturnal (active at night) · ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time' |
In this guide (13)
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.
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 North Sumatra, 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.
Scientific classification of the Wagler's Pit Viper
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Viperidae |
| Genus | Tropidolaemus |
| Species | Tropidolaemus wagleri |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about Wagler's Pit Viper
What is the scientific name of Wagler's Pit Viper?
The scientific name of Wagler's Pit Viper is Tropidolaemus wagleri, in the family Viperidae.
What kind of animal is Wagler's Pit Viper?
Wagler's Pit Viper is a reptile in the family Viperidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a predator of rodents and birds.
Where does Wagler's Pit Viper live in Indonesia?
Observation records of Wagler's Pit Viper summarised in this guide mainly come from North Sumatra, Jambi, Riau. That list is not a complete range map.
What does Wagler's Pit Viper eat?
Wagler's Pit Viper is a predator of rodents and birds. That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: Ecology Asia.
How does Wagler's Pit Viper reproduce?
Wagler's Pit Viper reproduces by ovoviviparity: eggs hatch inside the mother and live young are born. Gives birth to live young; the eggs hatch inside the mother rather than being laid. Source: Reptile Database.
Is Wagler's Pit Viper venomous?
Yes. Wagler's Pit Viper is venomous. Its venom can cause local pain, swelling and tissue damage; deaths are undocumented but cannot be ruled out. Source: Clinical Toxinology Resources (WCH / Univ. of Adelaide): Tropidolaemus wagleri (archived copy).
Do not catch, handle or disturb wild animals. If bitten, stung or exposed to its toxins, go to the nearest health facility straight away.
Is Wagler's Pit Viper nocturnal?
The cited source records Wagler's Pit Viper as nocturnal (active at night). Source: ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of Wagler's Pit Viper?
Scientific classification of Wagler's Pit Viper: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, order Squamata, family Viperidae, genus Tropidolaemus, species Tropidolaemus wagleri.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is Wagler's Pit Viper endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, Wagler's Pit Viper is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether Wagler's Pit Viper is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- Teynié, David & Ohler (2010) — Western Sumatra herpetofauna field study ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- Ecology Asia ↗
- Reptile Database ↗
- ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time' ↗
- Clinical Toxinology Resources (WCH / Univ. of Adelaide): Tropidolaemus wagleri (archived copy) ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Wagler's Pit Viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/tropidolaemus-wagleri/