Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Serpentes Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Higher classification Bitis | |
 | ||
Similar Bitis, Vipers, Bitis heraldica, Snake, Bitis inornata | ||
Kenyan horned viper bitis worthingtoni
Bitis worthingtoni is a venomous viper species endemic to the high central Rift Valley of Kenya. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Contents
- Kenyan horned viper bitis worthingtoni
- Kenyan horned viper bitis worthingtoni eats mouse
- Etymology
- Description
- Geographic range
- Conservation status
- References
Kenyan horned viper bitis worthingtoni eats mouse
Etymology
The specific name, worthingtoni, is in honor of E.B. Worthington, collector of the first specimen.
Description
It grows to a total length (body + tail) of 20 to 40 cm (7.9 to 15.7 in), with a maximum total length of 50 cm (20 in).
Geographic range
Restricted to Kenya's high central Rift Valley at elevations over 1,500 metres (4,900 ft), the type locality given is the "shore of Lake Naivasha", [Kenya]
Conservation status
Currently, this species is not listed by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species or on any of the CITES Appendices, but in 2004, a proposal was submitted by Kenya to have it listed on CITES Appendix II. The actual status of the species is unknown, but it is reasoned that the Kenyan proposal is justified due to the species' restricted geographic range, habitat loss, demand by reptile collectors and the existence of illegal trade.
