Origin
Vipers are venomous snakes that are part of the family Viperidae. The family includes about 80 species widespread in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa.
The species "Viper berus" is widespread in the north, from scandinavia to the Arctic Circle. Most are found in Africa (without Madagascar), Asia and Europe.
Vipers probably come from Africa where they spread by adapting to climatic conditions.
Viper Food
Their food consists mainly of small mammals, which are killed by the venom injected through the bite of the Viper.
Viper venom is hemotoxic destroying red blood cells and tissues with which it comes into contact, also having an anticoagulant action.
Through a neurotoxic action can produce parasites.
Several species have specialized in bird hunting. Larger species hunt larger animals, such as pigs, monkeys, bats, and dwarf antelopes.
Features Viper
In general, the body of Vipers has a length between 20cm to 2m. the body of the snake is wider, on the back frequently having a sign that resembles the letter V of triangular shape.
All species within the family are venomous. The venom is produced by a gland, the poison being injected into the victim through two long teeth located on the upper jaw.
Almost all species are adapted and live on the ground, except the Atheris species from Africa, they lead an arboreal life.
Of the species that live on the ground can be remembered Bitis peringueyi (horned viper)which moves laterally on the sand or Adenorhinous Viper which moves by sliding movements.
Vipers are generally active during the day and at dusk, with the exception of those in warm tropical regions, which are active at night. Species that live in temperate regions fall into a state of numbness in winter called hibernation.
Viper berus is a skittish species, in case of danger seeks to hide or flee. Only if she feels directly threatened or is taken in by the bite. The minimum lethal dose for a subcutan inoculation is 6.45 mg / km body mass.
This means that in a 75kg human the lethal dose would be 484 mg, which would mean being bitten by at least 5 Vipers. Although the bite of the Viper berus is 2-3 times more dangerous than that of the rattlesnake it is not so dangerous because of the small deposit of Venom.
Her bite can become serious for children or the elderly. Symptoms are presented through pain, the place where the bite occurred will be bruises, there are signs of asphyxiation and heart failure, sometimes paralysis.
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Viper Breeding
The breeding season takes place in the spring in April – May, with fights taking place between males. Viper berus is ovoviviparous, meaning it hatches eggs in the body, and the hatched chicks will leave the mother's body in august – October.
The first Moult occurs shortly after birth, after which the snakes become acidic. Vipers are able to reproduce at the age of 3-4 years.
Their natural enemies are raptors, wild boar, Martens, Badgers, weasels, Foxes, house cat and some reptiles.
