Saw-scaled Viper (Echis carinatus)
- Habitat: Dry, arid regions including deserts, scrublands, and rocky areas
- Distribution: North Africa, Middle East, and South Asia
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, lizards, and insects
- Size: Typically 1-3 feet in length
Physical Characteristics
- Size: Saw-scaled vipers are relatively small, typically ranging from 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches) in length, although some individuals can grow slightly larger.
- Appearance: They have a stout body with keeled scales and a distinctively flattened, triangular-shaped head. Their most distinguishing feature is the series of small, keeled scales along their sides, which produce a rasping sound when rubbed together.
- Color: Their coloration varies, but they often have a sandy or pale brown body with darker brown or reddish-brown markings and blotches.
Conservation Status
- Threats: Saw-scaled vipers face threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and persecution by humans due to fear or misunderstanding. They are also frequently killed for their skin and other body parts.
- Conservation Efforts: Efforts to conserve saw-scaled vipers include habitat protection, public awareness campaigns, and research initiatives to better understand their ecology and behavior.