Montatheris hindii

(Boulenger, 1910)

Montane Viper

Photo courtesy of Stephen Spawls
This male was found near the Chama River, Aberdare Mountains, Kenya.

Synonyms

Vipera hindii  Boulenger, 1910
V[ipera]. hindei  Schwarz, 1936
Bitis hindii  Kramer, 1961
Atheris hindii  Marx & Rabb, 1965
Atheris hindi  Golay et al. 1993
Montatheris hindii  Broadley, 1996

Etymology

The species name honors Dr. S. L. Hinde who collected the original specimen. The genus name is derived from Mont- (Latin montanus= found on mountains) atheris.

Other Common Names 

Kenya Montane Viper; Hinde's Viper; Hind's [sic] viper

Distribution

The entire range of this species is in two national parks: a population on Mount Kenya and a second isolated population on the Aberdare Mountains.

Description

A very small viper only 8-14 inches (20-36 cm) in length. Greyish or brown with pairs of black triangles with light edges on dorsum. Head is brownish with a dark brown 'V' or arrow mark. Venter is greyish with darker speckling.

Habitat and Behavior

A terrestrial species that lives in grass tussocks and inhabits montane moorland void of trees at an elevation of 8800-12,500 feet (2700-3800 m).