There are 96 species of snakes found in Sri Lanka, with 5 being highly poisonous. The highly poisonous snakes are the Cobra, Indian Krait, Sri Lankan Krait, Saw scaled Viper, and Russell's Viper. These snakes can be deadly if bitten. In addition, there are 91 species of mildly poisonous or non-poisonous snakes. The document provides descriptions of the highly poisonous snakes and advises on preventing snake bites.

1. Snakes IN Sri lanka M.M.Aznee Ahamed 08-C 23.02.2010 December 16, 2010 M.M.Aznee Ahamed

2. December 16, 2010 M.M.Aznee Ahamed

3. Contents Introduction. Highly Poisonous Snakes In Sri Lanka - Cobra, 2 Species of Krait, 2 Species of Vipers. Mildly Poisonous snakes. Non poisonous snakes. Preventing snakes’ bites. December 16, 2010 M.M.Aznee Ahamed

4. Introduction Snakes are reptiles. They are legless. They creep along the ground. They are carnivores. Some times they feed on prays much bigger than their mouth. December 16, 2010 M.M.Aznee Ahamed

5. Salivary glands are modified into poisonous glands. Poison is send out by a canal and injured on to the pray by canine teeth . They are known as fangs . Poison fangs are found only in poisonous snakes. Snake poison is an protein solution. It contains enzyme and water. They effect the nervous system of the pray. December 16, 2010 M.M.Aznee Ahamed

6. They have specially adapted mouths and jaws for this purpose. The lower jaws consist of 2 halves. They are fastened by an elastic substance. So, the pray is paralyses. And also the enzymes help the digestion of the pray. Anti-venom vaccine is given to snake victims. This can also be used to prepare drugs for Leprosy, Asthma and Measles. December 16, 2010 M.M.Aznee Ahamed

7. Highly Poisonous Snakes In Sri Lanka There are 96 species of snakes in Sri Lanka. 5 species are highly poisonous snakes, other 91 species are mildly poisonous and non-poisonous snakes. Cobra, Indian Krait, Sri Lankan Krait, Saw scaled Viper, Russell's Viper are the highly poisonous snakes in Sri Lanka. December 16, 2010 M.M.Aznee Ahamed

8. Cobra Length:- 130-200 cm. Special features:- Upper side of the body is light brown or grey. There are yellow or white stripes at intervals. It has a hood witch can be expanded. There are 2 black spots under side of the head. Habitat:- During the day it looks for food while the night times hide in termite hills, rat holes and piles of fire wood. December 16, 2010 M.M.Aznee Ahamed

9. Indian Krait [Common Krait] Length:- 90-110 cm. Special features:- Highly poisonous species of snake. Upper side of the body is blackish brown. Body is shiny. It even prays on other non poisonous snakes. Habitat:- During night looks for food and during day hide under decaying leaves, loose soil or dry grass. Can be found in water bodies. December 16, 2010 M.M.Aznee Ahamed

10. Sri Lankan Krait Length:- 90 cm. Special features:- Highly poisonous species of snake. Body is blackish purple. Has ring like white bands across the body. Habitat:- Looks for pray in night. In day times hide under rotting leaves, piles of stone. When frightened coils up and hide it’s head in the coil. December 16, 2010 M.M.Aznee Ahamed

11. Saw scaled Viper Length:- 30-45 cm. Special features:- Has a white bird’s foot shaped marked on the head Upper side of the body is greyish brown. It has diamond shaped marks on it’s body. Habitat:- Nocturnal. During day hides under loose soil, drying leaves or shrubs. It jumps forward when attacking a prey and recoils to the normal position. December 16, 2010 M.M.Aznee Ahamed

12. Russell's Viper Length:- 80-120 cm. Special features:- Upper side of the body is reddish brown. The under side is yellowish white. In the centre of the body and on either side there are 3 rows of black dots. Habitat:- Most activities in the night. It hisses as a warning sign before attacking. December 16, 2010 M.M.Aznee Ahamed

13. Mildly Poisonous Snakes In Sri Lanka These snakes do not kill us. They affect may persist for a few days. It can effect kidneys and also it can cause sever pains and swelling. E.g.:- Polong thelissa, Mukalang thelissa, Cat snake, Ahatulla, Malkarawala. December 16, 2010 M.M.Aznee Ahamed

14. Non Poisonous Snakes In Sri Lanka There are 59 species of snakes non poisonous snakes in Sri Lanka. E.g.:- Python, Petal snake, Checkered keel ball. Weather snakes are poisonous or not they are important to maintain the balance of the environment December 16, 2010 M.M.Aznee Ahamed

15. Preventing Snake Bites Keep the environment clean. Not keeping piles of books or papers in corner of the house. Closing termite hills and rat holes around the house. Wear protective gears when walking to place where snakes are found. Using a stick when walking on grass lands. December 16, 2010 M.M.Aznee Ahamed

16. Done By M.M.Aznee Ahamed THANK YOU December 16, 2010 M.M.Aznee Ahamed