Rhino Viper

DESCRIPTION:

Historical names of the Rhino Viper include Butterfly Viper & RiverJack. Adults average between 70 cm and 100 cm, rarely growing longer. The Rhino Viper is quite thick for it’s length and triangular in cross-section. The flat triangular head is distinct from the thin neck. There is a set of two or three distinctive horn-like nasal appendages on the snout, giving this snakes the common name ‘rhino’ viper. Color pattern consists of a series of 15–18 blue or blue-green, oblong markings, each with a lemon-yellow line down the center. These are enclosed within irregular, black, rhombic blotches. A series of dark crimson triangles run down the flanks, narrowly bordered with green or blue. Many of the lateral scales have white tips, giving the snake a velvety appearance. The top of the head is blue or green, overlaid with a distinct black arrow mark. The belly is dull green to dirty white, strongly marbled and blotched in black and gray. Western specimens are more blue, while those from the east are more green. After they shed their skins, the bright colors fade quickly as dirt from their generally moist habitat accumulates on the rough scales.

HABITS & HABITAT:

The Rhino Viper is rarely found outside of dense forests. Primarily nocturnal, they hide during the day in leaf litter, in holes, around fallen trees or tangled roots of forest trees. Their vivid coloration actually gives them excellent camouflage in the dappled light conditions of the forest floor, making them almost invisible. Although mainly terrestrial, they are also known to climb into trees and thickets, where they have been found up to 3 m above the ground. They are sometimes found in shallow pools and have been described as powerful swimmers. When approached, they often reveal their presence by loud hissing. Otherwise generally placid but will bite in defense if molested.

DISTRIBUTION:

Republic of South Sudan, W Kenya, Uganda, Angola, W/C/E Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire), Congo (Brazzaville), Gabon, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea (Conakry), Central African Republic, Tanzania, Zambia.

VENOM:

The venom of the Rhino Viper is cytotoxic with haemtoxic properties causing painful progressive swelling and bleeding syndrome. A bite is a medical emergency.

SYMPTOMS:

Pain at the bite site, including swelling; Bite or fang marks on the affected limb; Discoloration of skin and blistering; Bleeding from the bite site; Fatigue and weak muscles; Body aches; Chills and sweating; Anxiety and drowsiness; Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea; The following signs and symptoms may be observed after several hours; Poor reflexes; Breathing difficulties; Dark-coloured urine; Bleeding from the gums, nose, etc.; Tissue necrosis (tissue death); Shock; Dizziness.

FIRST AID:

Immobilise and calm patient; keep bitten limb elevated; remove restrictive items like shoe, watch, ring, etc; immediately proceed to a medical trauma facility.

ANTIVENOM:

5-10 vials EchiTAb-PLUS-ICP.