Return to World Chelonian Trust Main Page for more Turtle and Tortoise Information
Non-Chelonian reptiles in the markets
Bungarus multicinctus Many banded krait
100 RMB/Kg ($13 US)
China, Hong Kong, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Taiwan, Viet Nam
This highly venomous species was not exactly treated with the respect it is due by at least one snake handler. Seen below is a gentleman pulling specimens out of a bag wearing only a small glove and not even coming close to grasping the animals just behind the head. He was more than happy to show his prize to the authors, which considering the recent death of a herpetologist in India from a bite from this species, was less than confidence inspiring. Mortality rate if envenomated is estimated at 50%, even WITH antivenin.
World Chelonian Trust
www.chelonia.org
PO Box 1445
Vacaville, CA
95696