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35. Rhinoceros Viper
In West and Central Africa, rhinoceros vipers also referred to as river jacks, are brightly colored venomous snakes from the family Viperidae. Often found on plantations, it prefers damp and wet environments.
There are rough, heavily keeled scales on the body. There are two or three pairs of hornlike scales on the tip of the snout and a large black arrowhead mark on its head.
It is mostly terrestrial and nocturnal; however, it is sometimes found in aquatic environments and trees. In spite of its slow and sluggish movement, it can strike quickly in both directions.
As part of its hunting strategy, it waits in ambush along rodent trails, relying on its cryptic hue to conceal itself in with the background leaves of the forest floor. In addition to rodents, it feeds on frogs and fish as well.
Live young are born (viviparity), measuring between 20 and 25 cm (8 to 10 inches) in length.
Despite producing a large amount of venom, this large snake rarely bites or kills humans, despite producing significant amounts of venom. In response to disturbance, it may exhale or hiss for a prolonged period of time.
