Suborder Serpentes Phylum Chordata Rank Species | Subphylum Vertebrata Family Viperidae Scientific name Montatheris hindii Higher classification Montatheris Order Scaled reptiles | |
Genus MontatherisBroadley, 1996 Similar Proatheris superciliaris, Adenorhinos, Eristicophis, Atheris desaixi, Daboia | ||
Montatheris is a monotypic genus created for the venomous viper species, M. hindii. This is a small terrestrial species endemic to Kenya. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Contents
Etymology
The specific name, hindii, is in honor of Sidney Langford Hinde, a British military medical officer and naturalist.
Description
This is a small species reaching an average total length (body + tail) of 20–30 cm (7.9–11.8 in) and a maximum total length of about 35 cm (14 in). The head is elongated and not very distinct from the neck, while the eyes are small and set in a rather forwards position. The dorsal scales are strongly keeled.
Geographic range
It is known only from isolated populations at high altitudes on Mount Kenya and the moorlands of the Kinangop Plateau, Aberdare Mountains.
The type locality listed is "Fort Hall, Kenya District, 4000 ft.". Since Fort Hall is at an altitude of only 4000 feet (1219 m), Loveridge (1957) questioned whether this was accurate.
Habitat
It occurs at high altitudes of 2,700–3,800 m (8,900–12,500 ft) in treeless moorlands. It favors clumps of bunch grass for cover.
Behavior
A terrestrial species. Because of the low nighttime temperatures in its native habitat, it is only active during the day and when there is enough sunlight to warm its environment.
Feeding
It feeds on chameleons, skinks, and small frogs. It may also take small rodents.
Reproduction
This species is apparently viviparous (ovoviviparous). One wild-caught female produced two young in late January, while another gave birth to three in May. The total length of each newborn was 10–13 cm (3.9–5.1 in).