In search of the white viper in Born to be Wild

MANILA, Philippines - Join GMA 7’s Born to be Wild on a different kind of adventure as resident veterinarian Doc Nielsen Donato (photo) goes to the northernmost island of the country in search of the enigmatic white viper. From the scenic mountains of Batanes to its pristine islets, Doc Nielsen searches every possible habitat of the white viper to find out more about its enigma.

Pit vipers are venomous snakes that have sparked fascination because of their striking color and appearance. These vipers are commonly green, but in the black market, the rare white viper is prized.

In idyllic Batanes, research experts noted a number of pit vipers endemic to the area. To the researchers’ surprise, these vipers come in different hues — yellow, brown, green, white and even violet.  But of all these, the white viper is said to be the most hunted by poachers. In the Asian market, there is a high demand for the white viper, where they go for as much as $2,500 a piece. Because of rampant poaching, residents in the area noticed they now rarely see the white viper in the wild. It has also been five years since experts last documented the elusive white viper.

Born to be Wild airs Wednesday nights after Saksi.