8 Snake Species Can Inflict Potentially Lethal Bites in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is home to a surprisingly high number of snakes relative to the territory’s limited size. Counting fifty-two different species, snakes are the most diverse reptiles in the region.

However, of those fifty-two species, only fourteen are venomous; and of those fourteen venomous snakes, only eight possess venom potent enough to be considered potentially lethal to humans. Fortunately, of the approximately one hundred snakebites recorded every year in Hong Kong, about 90 to 95% are inflicted by a single species: the White-Lipped Viper (or Bamboo Viper). Its bite is extremely painful but very rarely lethal, provided the victim receives prompt medical attention.

Of the eight highly venomous snakes found in Hong Kong, the most iconic is the King Cobra, the longest venomous snake in the world. Fortunately, hikers are highly unlikely to cross paths with a King Cobra in Hong Kong. The other four uncommon lethal snakes in the territory are the Banded Krait, McClelland’s Coral Snake, the Tonkin Pit Viper (also known as the Mountain Pit Viper), and the Pointed-Scale Pit Viper.

The remaining three highly venomous snakes are more common than the aforementioned species. They include the notorious Chinese Cobra, the Many-Banded Krait, and the Red-Necked Keelback.

By the way, this short article only covers land snakes. In fact, Hong Kong is also home to six native species of sea snakes, all of which possess highly neurotoxic venom.