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Oman saw-scaled viper
Echis omanensis
A fiercely specialized venomous viper endemic to the rocky expanses of the Hajar Mountains in Oman and the UAE, physically and behaviorally adapted to harsh montane habitats.
Class:Squamata
Order:Squamata
Family:Viperidae
Subfamily:Viperinae
Genus:Echis
Species:Echis omanensis
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
40 - 60 %
Day temperature
25 - 31 °C
Ambient temperature
25 - 31 °C
Night temperature
18 - 22 °C
Basking spot
36 - 38 °C
Adult size
80 cm
Minimum enclosure
>= 150 L
UVB
Medium
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Echis omanensis is endemic to the eastern Arabian Peninsula, restricted to the Hajar Mountain range of northern Oman and the eastern United Arab Emirates. Unlike other members of its genus that favor sandy deserts, this viper inhabits rocky mountain slopes, deep gravel canyons, stony wadis, and moist mountain gorges. It occurs at various altitudes from near sea level up to over 1000 meters, sheltering inside rocky cracks and under loose scree.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Belonging to the family Viperidae, subfamily Viperinae, and the genus Echis. Formally described as a distinct species in 2004 by Babocsay, it was previously classified as a subspecies of either Echis coloratus or Echis carinatus. Phylogenetic studies utilizing mitochondrial DNA analysis confirmed its evolutionary divergence and specific ecological adaptation to the Oman mountain ranges.
Behavior and Habits: Primarily nocturnal to avoid the extreme daytime heat of the Arabian summer, though it may bask during the day during cooler winter months. It displays a vigorous defensive temperament; when disturbed, it coils into a horseshoe shape and rubs its serrated lateral scales together to produce a loud sizzling sound. It is an excellent rock climber, moving easily on vertical surfaces.
Morphology: This is a medium-sized viper, with adult specimens typically measuring between 40 and 65 centimeters in total length. The body is relatively robust and slightly compressed laterally, with a broad, wedge-shaped head that is distinct from the neck. The eyes are large with vertically elliptical pupils. Coloration consists of a rocky grey or brown background with irregular light bands, providing camouflage on limestone rockwork.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Requires a rocky montane terrarium measuring at least 80x50x50 cm, fitted with secure locks. The substrate should be a dry mix of coarse sand, gravel, and stable stones. It is critical to build rocky ledges and crevices, which must be secured using silicone adhesive to prevent collapses that could crush the snake. Sturdy climbing branches should be provided to utilize vertical space.
Lighting and Heating: Provide a daytime temperature of 24-26°C (75-79°F) at the cool end and 32-34°C (90-93°F) at the warm end, with a focused basking spot of 36-38°C (97-100°F) under a guarded heat lamp. Nighttime temperatures should drop to 18-20°C (64-68°F) to simulate Oman mountain nights. High-quality 5.0 or 10.0 UVB lighting is required to facilitate calcium synthesis.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain relative humidity between 30% and 40%. Unlike pure sand-dwelling vipers, it benefits from a light spray of water once a week to simulate morning dew. A fresh water dish must always be present in the cool zone. A humid hide filled with damp sphagnum moss must be provided during shedding periods to prevent incomplete sheds.
Feeding and Supplementation: In captivity, they feed on thawed mice of appropriate size, offered only using long steel feeding tongs. Feed adults once every 10 to 14 days. Preys should be dusted with calcium and vitamin D3 powder once a month. Carefully monitor the snake's weight, as obesity is common in captive vipers with low activity levels.
Compatibility: Strictly solitary. Housing multiple specimens together will cause severe stress and territorial fighting. Possesses a highly potent hemotoxic and cytotoxic venom that causes severe systemic bleeding and localized tissue necrosis. It must only be kept by professional keepers using appropriate snake hooks, tongs, and secure shift boxes.
Health and Common Diseases: Prone to respiratory infections if humidity is too high, and incomplete shedding if a localized moist hide is not provided. External parasites like mites must be treated in a quarantine enclosure. All maintenance must be conducted with the snake safely secured in a separate lockbox before working in the tank.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Echis omanensis is endemic to the eastern Arabian Peninsula, restricted to the Hajar Mountain range of northern Oman and the eastern United Arab Emirates. Unlike other members of its genus that favor sandy deserts, this viper inhabits rocky mountain slopes, deep gravel canyons, stony wadis, and moist mountain gorges. It occurs at various altitudes from near sea level up to over 1000 meters, sheltering inside rocky cracks and under loose scree.
Origin
Europe, Mediterranean, and West Asia
Reptile profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 80 cm
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
The catalog's scalar value is 80 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 80 cm for this species, recorded as total length (TL). These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
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Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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