Field’s Horned Viper: Unique Adaptation to Desert Environments in Northern Saudi Arabia

   Arar, September 06, 2026, SPA -- Field’s horned viper (Pseudocerastes fieldi), also known as the false horned viper, is a desert-dwelling snake found in the Middle East. The species has been recorded in northern Saudi Arabia.
   The viper is characterized by a broad, triangular head clearly distinct from the neck and a short snout. Above the eyes are horn-like projections formed by several small, overlapping scales, one of the species’ most distinctive morphological features. The species also has a dark, nearly black tail tip.
   Its brown and gray coloration closely matches the surrounding soil and rocks, providing effective camouflage. The species inhabits a variety of arid environments, including rocky, limestone, and basalt deserts, as well as wadis and steppes, with a preference for firm, rocky terrain over open sand dunes.
   Adnan Khalifa, a member of the Aman Environmental Association involved in wildlife observation and documentation, said the viper preys on rodents, lizards, and birds and may actively hunt when prey is available. He noted that the species is part of the biodiversity of desert ecosystems and plays a role in maintaining ecological balance within the food web.
   Khalifa warned against approaching, cornering, or attempting to handle the viper if encountered. He advised maintaining a safe distance, avoiding any attempt to provoke the snake, and calmly moving away from the area to protect both people and the animal.
   -- SPA