Sindh Saw-Scaled Viper

Habitat:

Most commonly found in vegetated sandy desert, gravel plain and arid grassland. Frequently found in agricultural and urbanized areas. Babies feed mostly on gecko's and soft bodied insects, while adults feed on small vertebrates, rodents, shrews, lizards and fledgling birds. They thrive in urban gardens, taking advantage of rodents and gecko's. They are nocturnal and ambush their prey from the shelter of rocks or shrubs and do not hide in the sand like horned vipers. If desturbed however they will move into a horseshoe shape and rub their scales together creating a rasping sound. They are reluctant to bite and very tolerant of passing traffic in close quarters. Their stike however is fast and accurate. They are venomous and should be avoided.

World Distribution:

Found in suitable habitat throughout the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, north-eastern Oman, south, to just north-east of Dhofar. Also Masirah island. Also found from Pakistan to coastal Iran.

Conservation status:

Not evaluated by IUCN Red List

Scientific publications:

None in Qatar

Similar species:

None in Qatar

Description:

The saw scaled viper commonly reaches 35-45cm with exceptions at 70cm in length. The head is slightly flattened and pear shaped. The eyes are large and elliptical with catlike pupils. The neck is thin, and head distinct from the body. The body is thick and colour patterns are variable. Most comonly brown, grey or tan with a prominant series of white blocks along the spine. A row of small downward pointing whitish crescents run along the flanks. The ventral surface is white, with pale brown or grey blocks or speckles towards the centre of each scale.