Persian horned viper  (Pseudocerastes persicus)

The Persian horned viper is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List (1).

A medium-sized, thick-bodied snake with a relatively short tail (2) (3) (4) (5), the Persian horned viper (Pseudocerastes persicus) is named for the pair of prominent, scale-covered “horns” above its eyes (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7). This species has a short, rounded snout and a wide, flattened head, which is distinct from the neck (2) (3) (5) (6).

The Persian horned viper is generally pale brown, grey, bronze or bluish-grey above, with dark brown rectangular blotches or cross-bands (3) (6) (8). There is a dark brown line along the side of the head (3) (5) (8) and fainter brown spots on the throat and the sides of the body (3) (5). The underside of the Persian horned viper is whitish, and the tail often has a black tip (3) (5) (8). Some individuals may lack distinct markings on the body (2) (3).

As in other vipers, the scales of the Persian horned viper are heavily keeled, with a rough texture (3) (4) (9). The eye has a vertical pupil (3) (4) (5), and the nostrils are directed upwards and outwards (3) (5). The male Persian horned viper is larger than the female (5).

Although some scientists recognise two subspecies of the Persian horned viper, Pseudocerastes persicus persicus and Pseudocerastes persicus fieldi (7) (10), the latter is now generally considered to be a distinct species, Field’s horned viper (Pseudocerastes fieldi) (1) (3) (11). In addition to having separate distributions, the two also differ in the properties of their venom, and Field’s horned viper has a significantly shorter tail (3) (11).

The Persian horned viper resembles the Arabian horned viper (Cerastes gasperettii) in appearance, but its “horns” are made up of many small scales, rather than a single elongated scale (6) (7). This difference gives the Persian horned viper its genus name, Pseudocerastes, meaning ‘false Cerastes’, as well as its alternative common name of ‘false horned viper’ (7).

The Persian horned viper occurs in the Arabian Peninsula, in Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and north through Iran, Azerbaijan and Iraq, to Afghanistan, Pakistan and India in the east (1) (3) (4) (5) (11).

This species may also potentially occur in southeast Turkey, but its presence there has yet to be confirmed (1) (11).

A species of deserts and semi-deserts (6) (7), the Persian horned viper is typically found in rocky and sandy areas and in scrubland (1) (5) (6), although it avoids areas of loose sand (6). This snake is usually found at high elevations (4) (8), up to about 1,800 to 2,000 metres above sea level (1) (5).

The Persian horned viper often climbs into small bushes, and can also be found sheltering under rocks, in rock crevices and in burrows (1) (4) (5).

Like other vipers, the Persian horned viper is venomous and possesses a pair of long, hollow fangs which fold flat against the roof of the mouth when not in use (4) (9). This species is usually active at night (5) (6) and is thought to hunt a variety of rodents, lizards and birds (1) (5) (6) (7).

When disturbed, the Persian horned viper may inflate its body and hiss loudly (4) (5). It typically moves across the ground using a ‘sidewinding’ motion, travelling sideways in a series of S-shaped curves (5) (6).

Relatively little is known about the breeding behaviour of the Persian horned viper, but it has been reported to breed between March and July in Pakistan (5). Like many other viper species, it may give birth to live young (1) (9), although others report it to lay eggs (7).

The Persian horned viper is widespread and not currently considered to be at risk of extinction (1). However, it faces a serious threat from over-collection, mainly for the production of anti-venom and for the pet trade, and this is causing its populations to decline in some areas. The Persian horned viper has also been hunted in the past for its skin, although this is no longer considered to be a significant threat (1).

In winter, the Persian horned viper often congregates in smaller areas of suitable habitat, making it easier for collectors to rapidly exterminate local populations (1).

Although the Persian horned viper occurs in protected areas across its range, measures need to be taken to ensure that it is not over-collected. These could include, for example, only paying snake collectors for more common species for anti-venom production (1).

Ongoing monitoring of this venomous snake is needed to ensure that continued exploitation does not cause it to become threatened (1).

View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi is a principal sponsor of ARKive. EAD is working to protect and conserve the environment as well as promoting sustainable development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Find out more about the Persian horned viper and other reptile species:

• The Reptile Database:
  http://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/

More information on conservation in the United Arab Emirates:

• The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi:
  http://www.ead.ae/en/
• WWF: Major environmental threats in the UAE:
  http://uae.panda.org/about_the_uae/threats/