Rhino Viper

Range: Africa

Habitat: Wetlands & forested regions

Natural Diet: Rodents, small ground nesting birds.

Diet at Rain Forest: Rodents

Size: 3-4 feet

Keeper Notes: The Rhinoceros viper has pronounced horns on the nose that give the snake the appearance of being a Rhinoceros. The coloration pattern allows this animal to do a remarkable job of hiding in the leaf litter of it's native rain forest home. A live bearer, the Rhino viper gives birth to a small number of large young.

The skull and fang structure of this and other vipers is remarkable. The large fangs in the front of the skull act as hypodermic needles delivering large amounts of venom deep into the bite wound. The fangs fold against the roof of the skull when not in use. Much like a shark the snake can regenerate fangs any time they become damaged or lost. Several new pairs of fangs can be seen developing immediately behind the primary pair.

Status in Wild: Stable in most parts of it's range