Plural of habu; venomous pit viper snakes, particularly the Okinawan species (Protobothrops flavoviridis).
From Ryukyuan habū, the indigenous name for these snakes in the Okinawa Islands. The plural form reflects English standardization of the Japanese/Okinawan term.
Okinawa's habus are among the deadliest snakes by body count in any developed nation—yet locals have become so skilled at catching them that it's become an art form and source of traditional knowledge.
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