These short vipers are common in sandy habitats and sand dunes of the Saharan desert into the Arabian Peninsula. The Saharan Horned Viper is a small snake of around 30 cm with a maximum size of around 50 cm. They are nocturnal and actively hunt at night. During the day this snake hides under bushes or buried in the sand.
Full Name: Saharan Horned Viper (Cerastes cerastes)
Classification: VENOMOUS
These short vipers are common in sandy habitats and sand dunes of the Saharan desert into the Arabian Peninsula. The Saharan Horned Viper is a small snake of around 30 cm with a maximum size of around 50 cm. They are nocturnal and actively hunt at night. During the day this snake hides under bushes or buried in the sand.
The large prominent horns above the eyes are characteristic for the species.
The venom of these snakes is not well known, but causes severe swelling, and nausea. Although no human fatalities have been recorded, bites should be treated at a hospital.
