Avicenna viper
The Sahara snad viper (Cerastes vipera) is a venomous viper species. Although not aggressive, when threatened it will readily stand its ground and form C-shaped coils that rub together and produce a rasping or crackling sound.
Sahara sand vipers are small and stout. They have a broad, triangular head with small eyes set well forward and situated on the junction of the side and the top of the head. Females of this species are larger than males.
Sahara sand vipers are native to North Africa and the Sinai Peninsula. In arid North Africa, they are found in Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Mali, Tunisia, Libya, Niger, Chad, and Egypt. In the Sinai Peninsula, they occur in Egypt, Sudan, and Israel. These vipers inhabit deserts with sandy soils, including sand dunes and sandy regions with scrub in coastal areas.
Sahara sand vipers are solitary terrestrial creatures. During hot days they stay buried in sand or hide in shades under the bushes. They hunt at night and their hunting strategy is unique when compared to that of other viperids because they use a combination of both sit-and-wait ambushing and active hunting. They typically used active hunting in the months right before hibernation to increase energy intake before the long dormant period. Sand vipers are often described as slow-moving and are capable of sidewinding. When doing so, they can move quickly across the sand. Adapted to live in sandy soils these snakes can "sink" quickly down into loose sand, using their keeled, angled, and serrated lateral scales in a rocking motion. This process begins at the tail and moves forward until the entire head is buried and only the eyes and nostrils are exposed. They can bury themselves this way whether in an outstretched or a coiled position.
Sahara sand vipers are carnivores. Their diet includes lizards, geckos, reptiles, small rodents, and birds.
Saharan sand vipers are oviparous. Females lay 3 to 7 eggs that hatch within hours of deposition. The young are venomous at birth and are able to provide themselves with food.
Saharan sand vipers are not threatened at resent but they suffer from persecution and pet trade. In some areas of their range, they are often collected for their venom and are usually not released back into the wild.
According to IUCN Red List, the Saharan sand viper is widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.
