Rhinoceros viper

Rhinoceros viper

We are delighted that Magnus, Ava and Ida Löhrke have taken on the sponsorship of the rhinoceros viper (Bitis nasicornis).

"Riverjack" is the English name of this viper, because in the rainforests of Central and West Africa it prefers to live in damp biotopes, such as river banks or temporarily flooded swamp forests. It owes its German name "Nashornviper" to the up to 3 pairs of horns on the tip of its nose, which consist of horny scales.

It is excellently camouflaged on the leaf litter of the forest floor due to its bright colouring. Smaller mammals in particular fall prey to it. As with all vipers, the venomous fangs of the rhinoceros viper lie folded in the palate and are only unfolded when necessary. The venom is a highly effective mixture of haematoxin and neurotoxin, which affects the victim's vascular and nervous system. When the viper bites, large quantities of this venom are injected into the prey through the tubular fangs. A bite from a rhinoceros viper is also fatal for humans if not treated quickly.