Cerastes cerastes cerastes

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Sahara horned viper
French : Vipère à cornes du Sahara, Céraste

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Viperidae
Notes : 2 other subspecies known.

Identification
Distinctive viper species, reaching a maximum length of 85 cm. Broad triangular head with round snout and long horn-like scales over eyes. Scales strongly keeled. Coloration sandy-beige with more or less distinct brown blotches on back.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in north Africa in the Sahara desert and in extreme south Israel and south Arabian peninsula. Subspecies found in Sahara desert. Lives in sandy and rocky deserts, oasis, up to 1500 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is thought to be common in suitable habitats and faces no known threats at the moment. It is collected for the trade in parts of its range.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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