Unveiling Nature's Remarkable Vipers
A Global Expedition
We understand that not everyone is fond of snakes. Encountering them in the wild might not be your cup of tea. Each person has their preferences! That's precisely why we're here—to take you on a captivating world tour of some of nature's most incredible snakes, all from the comfort and safety of your home, accompanied by your intrepid guide.
The snakes we will encounter belong to a fascinating group called vipers. As of 2021, there are 368 species of vipers spread across the globe. The name "viper" derives from the term "viviparity," which refers to giving birth to live young.
Unlike most snakes that lay eggs, vipers possess a unique reproductive method. In most cases, vipers have eggs that hatch internally, and the mother subsequently gives birth to numerous tiny snakes. Still not relieved to be safe at home? Well, vipers are often highly venomous, equipped with two hollow fangs that fold flat against the roofs of their mouths. This feature allows their fangs to be particularly long, unfurling into formidable weapons when a viper prepares to strike.
Shall we embark on a surprise visit to these captivating creatures?
Our first stop takes us to the southeastern United States, where we can hear the viper's presence before seeing it. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the largest of the 36 rattlesnake species, is our guide. Rattlesnakes possess the remarkable ability to shake their rattles up to 90 times per second, warning off predators for extended periods if necessary. The rattle consists of hollow, interlocking segments made of keratin—the same substance found in our nails and hair. When the snake shakes its tail, these segments collide, producing a remarkably loud noise.
Now, let's venture to the mountains of western Iran, where a spider slowly crawls across a rock, unaware of the lurking danger—or so it seems. Behold the spider-tailed horned viper, expertly camouflaged and nearly invisible, except for its distinctive bulbous tail-tip adorned with long, drooping scales resembling a leggy spider. Measuring just around 50 centimeters in length, these vipers entice small birds within striking range without compromising their ability to navigate narrow rock crevices.
In the rainforests of Latin America resides a viper that couldn't be more different from the spider-tailed viper—assuming you can locate it, that is. It is one of the world's most elusive snakes—the bushmaster. As a pit viper, the bushmaster possesses heat-sensing pits between each eye and nostril. These pits contain highly sensitive receptors that respond to minute temperature changes as small as one one-thousandth of a degree Celsius. By integrating infrared information gathered from these pits with visual information in the optic tectum, the bushmaster "sees" the heat signature of approaching prey or predators, aiding in determining whether or not to strike and ensuring precise strikes.
The bushmaster's nesting behavior adds to its uniqueness. Unlike most other vipers, the bushmaster lays eggs within hollowed-out tree buttresses or burrows created by other animals. Its nest must be large enough for protection. As the largest viper in the world, reaching lengths of over 11 feet, with massive fangs and potent venom, the bushmaster guards its nest diligently.
Meanwhile, in the forests of sub-Saharan Africa, we encounter a shorter yet stockier viper that surpasses even the bushmaster in venomous potency—the African Gaboon viper. This remarkable viper possesses the longest fangs of any snake, surpassing all 3,879 snake species, not just vipers. With a single bite, it can deliver 1,000 milligrams of venom—enough to kill ten adult humans. Despite their lethal reputation, Gaboon vipers are known for their slow-moving and tranquil nature. When they strike, they firmly hold onto their rodent prey while the venom takes effect, promptly consuming it afterward.
At this point, you may be concerned about the safety of our guide. Fear not! Rodents like our little desert kangaroo rat possess their own set of skills to evade the serpent's tooth. They stomp their feet and kick sand towards rattlesnakes, nimbly evading their strikes with acrobatic leaps and powerful kicks. Thanks to these remarkable abilities, they continue guiding us on future snake tours.
Embark on this captivating journey and explore the awe-inspiring world of vipers, appreciating their remarkable adaptations and understanding the unique roles they play in our natural ecosystems.
Henrik Leandro
About the Creator
Henrik Leandro Laukholm Solli
Free thinker, traveler and humanist <3
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