An Oman Saw-Scaled Viper Encounter on the foothills of Maleha, Sharjah

The slit pattern on its wide ovoid eye is declaring you have encountered a venomous snake

The color pattern, head and body markings reveal this is the Oman Saw Scaled Viper

Safely resting and strategizing its next move inside its burrow 

WARNING: The holes and openings on the desert foothills might harbor a viper

It was early morning, the sun is already up but the cold desert breeze is still blowing strong on the Maleha desert mountain foothills. I was engaged in my photo hunt for spiders, egg sacs and ornate webs. It was this time, as I was trying to move around a crevice and a patch of grass that instinctively before I anchored my boot on a rocky crevice, I carefully checked it out first to see if there is "something inside." Indeed there was "something inside" it! I was mesmerized to encounter a coiled, dark gray reptile showing off its slit-like eye. It was cautious and calculating, I could observe that it was waiting for my next move. For a few seconds it felt that I was under a trance, I wanted to see more of the snake and check out how it will react to my presence. Thanks be to God, reason and safety triumph over my curiosity. I decided to back away from the snake, I have to keep my social distance - I am in the lair of a highly venomous Oman Saw-Scaled Viper.

The OMAN SAW-SCALED VIPER (Echis omanenis) (SQUAMATA: VIPERIDAE)

The Oman Saw-Scaled Viper (Echis omanensis) is 40 to 70 cm long, possess a dark grayish upper body and a whitish belly, with black or brown speckles. It has large eyes, a prominent pear shape head, short and rounded snout, a slender and cylindrical body with distinct narrow neck and a long tail. The scales on its dorsal portion are mostly keeled (collapsed) while the scales on the flank are sticking up and serrated.

Similar to other Viperidae, it possessed long hinged fangs that allow deep penetration and injection of snake venom when it strikes! On top of that, it is also characterized by its strong and potent venom and lightning fast reflexes.   

Distribution of the Oman Saw-Scaled Viper

This snake is endemic in Oman and the United Arab Emirates. They are common and widespread in wadis, hills and foothills. 

Biodynamics Notes

The Oman Saw Scaled Viper feeds on rodents, lizards, the chicks of birds and other snakes. In wadis they also hunt for toads. 

Unlike most snake species which produced eggs, the female vipers bear live "baby snakes."

When threaten and as a defensive posture, it coils itself, moves fast and rubs the surfaces of the serrated flank scales producing a distinct "sawing sound" as it sets up to striking position and slither away.  

This snake species is VENOMOUS, DANGEROUS and DEADLY! 

When encountered in its natural habitat better to leave it alone and keep your distance. Do not engaged if you have no PPE, snake handling tools and if you lack the skills and guts to handle snakes. Be  mindful and watchful when outdoors. Do not harass and provoke these snakes! 

My close encounter with the Oman Saw Scaled Viper was truly intense. It is the only time that I needed to watch such an awesome creature from a safe distance. It was also a stark reminder for the explorer to be extra careful and mindful during my expeditions in the wild outdoors. More adventures and more awesome encounters!

Oman Saw-Scaled Vipers are truly awesome! Awesome creature! AWESOME CREATOR! 

Thanks for your support and careful attention. 

If you need Pest Management Training, Technical Field Support, On-Line and On-Site Consultancy, please feel free to send me an email: odelon.reyes@gmail.com