What is a Horned Viper?

Horned vipers are snakes that most commonly are desert dwelling sidewinders. There are several species of horned vipers, and all of the species are identifiable by the “horns” protruding above the eyes or from the top of the nose. Their side-winding action allows them to travel quickly across sand — which gets extremely hot under the desert sun — while minimizing surface area contact. Most species of these snakes are highly venomous and should be avoided by anyone who is not an expert handler.

Cerastes cerastes, the desert horned viper, has a very large range, being found in desert regions spanning the Sahara in the western side of Africa from Morocco to Mauritania to Egypt and Sudan. Desert horned vipers also can be found in the arid southern regions of the Arabian Peninsula, Iraq and Israel. Of all venomous snakes, the horned viper is considered to be the most abundant in its range.

Desert horned vipers have one horn above each eye, and the horns fold flat when touched, making it easier for the snake to squeeze into small openings and burrow beneath the sand. The head is broad and flat, with a rounded nose and hinged fangs. This species has large, forward-facing eyes with vertical pupils. Horned vipers are carnivorous, feeding mainly on lizards but also small mammals and birds. The snakes burrow beneath the surface of the sand, with its horns and eyes visible while it waits to ambush potential prey.

The Cerastes gasperettii, commonly known as the Arabian horned viper, is a close relative of the desert horned viper. It has a similar size and exhibits the same feeding and behavior patterns. The range of this species is much smaller than that of the desert horned viper, extending from the southern reaches of Israel into Iraq and eastern Iran.

Another species inhabiting Iraq and the Arabian Peninsula is the Persian horned viper, Pseudocerastes persicus. This species has a wide, flat head and a stout body. Persian horned vipers have a single, scaly horn protruding from above each eye. Bites from the Persian horned viper, while highly toxic, are infrequent. This species primarily is nocturnal and might be found resting in shady locations during the day.

Bitis nasicornis, or the rhinoceros viper, exhibits two to three horn-like protrusions on the nasal area. This snake also is venomous, like most viper species. It also is known as a river Jack and inhabits rainforests, swamps and any area close to large bodies of water. Its range includes the tropical and subtropical areas of Africa. The rhinoceros viper preys on small mammals, frogs and fish.

Bitis cornuta is commonly known as the many-horned viper. It has a set of at least two and as many as seven horn-like scales above each of its eyes. Its habitat consists of rocky, arid desert regions in South Africa.

The Horned Viper, scientifically known as Cerastes cerastes, is a venomous snake distinguished by the unique horn-like scales above its eyes. It inhabits deserts in North Africa and parts of the Middle East, adeptly camouflaged within sandy environments. This viper is nocturnal, emerging at night to hunt for prey like rodents and lizards.

The venom of the Horned Viper is hemotoxic, causing blood clotting disorders and tissue damage. While its bite is rarely fatal to humans with timely medical treatment, it can lead to severe pain, swelling, and potential tissue necrosis. Prey animals often succumb quickly to the venom, allowing the viper to consume them without struggle.

The Horned Viper has evolved several adaptations for desert survival. Its coloration provides excellent camouflage against the sand, while the horns may help reduce sand glare, akin to a sun visor. It moves using sidewinding locomotion to minimize body contact with the hot sand and can bury itself to avoid extreme daytime temperatures.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Horned Viper is currently not listed, indicating a lack of comprehensive data to assess its conservation status. However, habitat destruction and persecution due to fear may pose threats to its populations in certain regions.

The Horned Viper is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs. Females typically lay between 8 to 23 eggs, which hatch after about 50 to 80 days. In captivity, these vipers can live up to 20 years, but their lifespan in the wild is generally shorter due to environmental pressures and predation.

While it is possible to keep Horned Vipers as pets, it is strongly discouraged unless by experienced herpetologists or for educational purposes. They require specialized care, a controlled environment, and pose a significant venomous risk. Additionally, legal restrictions may apply, as many countries regulate the ownership of venomous snakes.