Reptile

Saw-scaled viper

Echis carinatus

हिन्दी: फुरसा

Venomous: keep your distanceIUCN: Least Concern

Pale saw-scaled viper on sandy ground

Scientific name: Echis carinatus
Hindi name: फुरसा
Family: Viperidae, order Squamata
Group: Reptile
Conservation status: Least Concern
Length: Usually under 60 cm

Small, but one of India's most dangerous snakes.

Spot it Small and sandy-grey with pale zig-zags and a cross mark on the head.
Home Dry, stony and sandy land, under rocks and bushes.
Food web Eats scorpions, centipedes, frogs, lizards and rodents.
Why it matters Keeps scorpions and rodents in check.

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