Appendix E

DESCRIPTIONS OF VENOMOUS SNAKES

Saw-scaled viper

JOHN H. TASHJIAN/FORT WORTH ZOO

Saw-scaled viper
Echis carinatus

Description: Color is light buff with shades of brown, dull red, or gray. Its sides have a white or light-colored pattern. Its head usually has two dark stripes that start behind the eye and extend to the rear.

Characteristics: A small but extremely dangerous viper. It gets the name saw-scaled from rubbing the sides of its body together, producing a rasping sound. This ill-tempered snake will attack any intruder. Its venom is highly hemotoxic and quite potent. Many deaths are attributed to this species.

Habitat: Found in a variety of environments. It is common in rural settlements, cultivated fields, arid regions, barns, and rock walls.

Length: Average 45 centimeters (18 inches), maximum 60 centimeters (24 inches).

Distribution: Asia and Africa, including Syria, India, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Jordan, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Algeria, Egypt, and Israel (Figure E-42).

Figure E-42. Saw-Scaled Viper Habitat