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Viperidae

Kenya Montane Viper

Venomous

Montatheris hindii

Kenya Montane Viper
Montatheris hindii, (c) Theo Busschau, some rights reserved (CC BY)

The Kenya Montane Viper (Montatheris hindii) is a venomous snake in the Viperidae family, recorded in 1 country.

If you are bitten

This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.

Family
Viperidae
Danger
high

About the Kenya Montane Viper

Montatheris is a monotypic genus created for the viper species, Montatheris hindii, a venomous snake also known by the common names Kenya mountain viper, Kenya montane viper, montane viper, and Hind's viper. This is a small terrestrial species endemic to Kenya. There are no subspecies which are recognized as being valid.

Etymology

The specific name, hindii, is in honor of Sidney Langford Hinde, a British military medical officer and naturalist.

Description

M. hindii is a small species reaching an average total length (including 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

M. hindii is known only from isolated populations at high elevations 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 4,000 feet (1,219 meters), Loveridge (1957) questioned whether this was accurate.

Habitat

M. hindii occurs at high elevations 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, M. hindii is only active during the day and when there is enough sunlight to warm its environment.

Feeding

M. hindii feeds on chameleons, skinks, and small frogs. It may also take small rodents.

Reproduction

This species, M. hindii, 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).

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Kenya Montane Viper

Is the Kenya Montane Viper venomous?
Yes. The Kenya Montane Viper (Montatheris hindii) is venomous and belongs to the Viperidae family (viper). Its bite is considered high risk to people. Treat any bite as a medical emergency.
Is the Kenya Montane Viper poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Kenya Montane Viper is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the Kenya Montane Viper dangerous?
This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.
Where does the Kenya Montane Viper live?
The Kenya Montane Viper has verified records in 1 country, including Kenya. See the distribution section below for its full range.
What does the Kenya Montane Viper eat?
M. hindii feeds on chameleons, skinks, and small frogs. It may also take small rodents.
Why is it called the Kenya Montane Viper?
The specific name, hindii, is in honor of Sidney Langford Hinde, a British military medical officer and naturalist.

If you are bitten by the Kenya Montane Viper

A venomous snakebite is a medical emergency. Call your local emergency number immediately. In the US, dial 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Do

  • Get away from the snake and stay calm. Most bites worsen when people panic or try again to handle the snake.
  • Call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) right away. Antivenom works best when given early.
  • Note the time of the bite and, from a safe distance, the snake's color and pattern, a phone photo is enough. Do not chase it.
  • Keep the bitten limb still and at roughly heart level. Sit or lie down and limit movement.
  • Remove rings, watches, and tight clothing near the bite before swelling starts.
  • Gently wash the bite with soap and water and cover it with a clean, dry dressing.

Do not

  • Do not cut the wound or try to suck out the venom.
  • Do not apply a tourniquet or ice.
  • Do not drink alcohol or caffeine.
  • Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen, they can worsen bleeding. Acetaminophen is safer for pain.
  • Do not try to catch or kill the snake. A dead snake can still bite by reflex.

First-aid guidance adapted from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC NIOSH), Venomous Snakes. Educational only; always follow the instructions of emergency responders.

Where it is found

Kenya

More Viperidae snakes

Classification

How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.

OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards
Squamata
FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits
Viperidae
GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
Montatheris
SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
Montatheris hindii

Keep learning

Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.