North Philippine Temple Pit Viper

Another bucket list achieved! A close-up macro shot of the venomous North Philippine Temple Pit Viper (Tropidolaemus subannulatus). Though feared for its venom, this species is generally calm and non-aggressive, striking only in self-defense. Often misunderstood, it plays a vital role as a natural predator that helps regulate small mammal and amphibian populations, maintaining balance in its forest ecosystem.