Pseudocerastes persicus (Persian Horned Viper )

Pseudocerastes persicus

Distinguishing Features

i. They are poisonous snakes.
ii. Their venom is haemotoxic in nature.
iii. The body is stout and flattened dorso-ventrally.
iv. The head is depressed and pale gray in colour. The top of the head is covered with small, strongly keeled scales.
v. The snout is short, scaly and rounded in shape.
vi. An erect horn like structure is present above the eyes, which is surrounded by small scales.
vii. The lateral scales overlap the ventral scales.
viii. The dorsal surface is covered with weakly keeled scales.
ix . The tail tapers abruptly at the vent.
x. The dorsal surface is pale or bluish gray to khaki in colour
xi. The body possesses rectangular dark brown and black edged spots or cross bars.
xii. On both sides of the body rounded, pale spots are present.
xiii. A dark streak is present between the eye and the angle of the mouth.
xiv. A dark band is present which extends from the nostril to the angle of the jaw.
xv. The scales on the upper labial vary from 12 - 14 in number and are separated from the eye by three rows of small scales.
xvi. The scales on the lower labial vary from 14 –17 in number. The edge of the lower labial is white in colour.
xvii. The belly is white in colour.
xviii. In some specimens black spots are present on the throat.

Size

Its length varies from 500 – 890 mm.

Habit and Habitat

These poisonous snakes inhabit the sandy as well as rocky terrain. They are nocturnal and shy in habit and get aggressive only when provoked. At the time of danger they produce a loud hissing sound and bite instantly.

Food

They feed on rats, mice, lizards and squirrels.

Distribution

This specie is found in Azerbaijan, Persian Gulf, Central Afghanistan and Iran. In Pakistan they are found in the Western part of Lasbela, Mangule, Kalat and Ormara in Balochistan.

Breeding

Mating season: March - April
Birth:                 Female gives birth to 15 - 20 young ones in the months of June and July.

Economic Importance

Their skin is of great commercial value and is used for making of shoes, purses and other decorative items.

Status

Less common

Threats

Jogis and hunters kill this snake for its skin.