Eristicophis macmahonii (Leaf Nosed Viper)

Eristicophis macmahoni

Distinguishing Features

i. They are poisonous snakes.
ii. Their venom is haemotoxic in nature.
iii. The body is stout and flattened.
iv. The head is large, triangular in shape and very distinct from the neck.
v. The nostril is slit like and surrounded with small scales.
vi. The skin is very loose and soft.
vii. The dorsal surface is covered with small scales.
viii. The top of the head is covered with small, imbricate and strongly keeled scales and dark flecks.
ix. Wing like scales are present on both sides of the body.
x. The scales on the posterior side of the body are keeled, short and swollen.
xi. The tail tapers abruptly at the vent.
xii. They possess distinct cross bands at the base of the tail. The tip of the tail is yellow in colour.
xiii. The number of scales varies from 15 – 16.
xiv. The number of scales varies from 16 - 17 in number.
xv. The dorsal surface is lighter tan to khaki or pale sandy gray in colour.
xvi. The ventral surface is white in colour.
xvii. The dorsal surface has black spots surrounded by smaller cream spots.
xviii. A narrow whitish line is present between the eye and the angle of the mouth.
xix. The throat and labial are white in colour.

Size

Its length varies from 620 - 850 mm.

Habit and Habitat

These deadly poisonous snakes prefer fine and loose sand with xeropyhtic plants as their habitat. They are burrowers. The whole body resides inside the burrow except the snout, which is exposed to outside for respiration.

They are aggressive snakes. During aggression they make hissing sound, raise their head and attack instantly. They are sidewinders and move very fast on sand.

Food

They feed on rats, mice and lizards.

Distribution

This specie is found in the deserts of Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan. In Pakistan, it is found in Nushki, Kharan, Dalbandin, Nok-skundi and other deserted areas of Balochistan.

Breeding

Mating season: February - March
Birth: Female gives birth to 15 - 20 young ones in the months of April - June

Economic Importance

Their skin is used to make shoes, purses and , belts and other decorative pieces. The venom is used in the making of anti-venom. These snakes also play an important role in keeping the the ecosystem balanced by controlling the population of rats and mice and save our crops from destruction.

Status

Less common

Threats

Being poisonous, they have been killed by the people at an alarming rate. Moreover, due to lack of proper care and food they do not survive for long in captivity.