jararaca

Jararaca (Bothrops jararaca) is a venomous pit viper native to South America, especially eastern Brazil, with ranges extending into parts of Paraguay and Argentina. It belongs to the family Viperidae, subfamily Crotalinae. The species is medium-sized for a viper, typically 1 to 1.5 meters in length, though individuals may exceed 1.8 meters. Coloration is variable, usually brown or gray with darker crossbands that break up across the back, providing camouflage in leaf litter and understory vegetation.

Habitat and behavior: Jararacas inhabit tropical and subtropical forests, shrublands, fields near water, and edge habitats. They are mostly ground-dwelling but may climb into branches. They are primarily diurnal to crepuscular, becoming more active at dusk and night during warmer seasons. They are ambush predators, feeding on small mammals, birds, lizards, and frogs.

Venom: The venom is hemotoxic, causing local swelling, tissue necrosis, and coagulation disturbances. Bites require prompt medical care and antivenom. First aid emphasizes immobilization of the affected limb and rapid transport to a medical facility; avoid cutting, sucking, ice, or tourniquets.

Medical and scientific significance: Jararaca venom contains bradykinin-potentiating peptides, which helped lead to the development of ACE inhibitors such as captopril and enalapril, used to treat hypertension and heart failure.

Reproduction: It is ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young after a gestation of several months; litter sizes vary widely.

Etymology: The name jararaca is used in Brazilian Portuguese for this species, derived from Indigenous languages of the region.

Conservation: widely distributed, the species is not currently listed as threatened; habitat modification can impact local populations.