The above are some of the more common snakes found in Dhofar,
which are also present throughout Arabia. Several other species
of snake are to be found in Arabia, but are not common in Dhofar
and are therefore not included in this list. Snakes have had an
undeservedly bad press, however if they are treated with respect
and a few basic rules adhered to – wearing shoes when away from
habitation and being vigilant – then both snakes and people should
be able to share the same environment with a degree of mutual
safety.
Note that colour descriptions are not a perfectly reliable guide
as variations arise with location and terrain type. Specifically
mentioned marking should be constant however. Note also that the
approximate lengths given in centimetres are for adults.
SOLENOGLYPHS – Dangerous
Large folding fangs for delivering venom are situated in the front
of the upper jaw.
Family Viperidae
Sand or horned viper (Cerastes cerastes gasperetti) – 76 cm
The most commonly seen viper, found in a wide range of habitats
from sand dunes to rocky wadis and the lower slopes of jebels.
Some specimens have a horn above each eye. These small fat snakes
are mainly nocturnal but can be found buried in sand with just
the top of the head visible, or under rocks. They move with a
sidewinding action which leaves a distinctive track in the sand.
This form of locomotion protects them from the hot sand, allowing
only a couple of body points to make contact with the ground at
any one time. Usually inoffensive (unless trodden on), they give
plenty of warning by rasping their scales together and making
many dummy strikes when approached too closely. Coloration is
a disruptive camouflage of browns with a distinct dark stripe
through the eye.
Carpet viper (Echis carinatus, Echis coloratus, Echis pyramidum) – 76 cm
A very dangerous snake possessing one of the most toxic venoms
of all land snakes. Found in rocky places or areas with vegetation
around wadis and hillsides, sometimes in large numbers. Although
rarely seen, carpet vipers can be aggressive and will strike after
loudly rasping their scales together as a warning. Camouflaged
in browns or greys, they have an arrow marking on top of the head
and inverted chevrons on their sides.
Puff adder (Bitis arietnas) – 30 inches
A large stocky slow-moving viper with distinctive black and grey
chevron markings. Found near vegetation and water mainly around
the coastal plains and jebel areas. Often found basking in the
open, they should be approached with caution; when irritated they
are probably the world’s fastest striking snake.
PROTEROGLYPHS – Dangerous
Short fixed fangs in the front of the upper jaw for delivering
venom. Usually long, thin and fast moving.
Family Elapidae
Arabian Cobra (Naja heje arabica) – 1 m 78 cm
The only type of elapid found in Arabia, they give plenty of warning
before striking, lifting the front third of their body off the
ground and spreading a hood at the back of the head and neck.
Cobras come in various colours, but are usually a metallic bronze.
They should be treated with the utmost respect and caution.
OPISTHOGLIPHS – Not considered dangerous to humans
Short fixed fangs at the rear of the upper jaw, behind the eye,
deliver a mildly toxic venom. The Arabian species are not considered
very dangerous to humans. A few typical types are:
Family Colubridae
Hooded malpolon (Malpolon moiliensis) – 1 m 52 cm
Very common on stony desert and wadis, they often lift their front
bodies off the ground and when surprised they spread a small elongated
hood cobra fashion. Camouflaged with dappled dark and light brown
markings and with a large dark spot behind the eye.
Cat snake (Telescopus dhara) – 1 m
A purely nocturnal snake rarely seen, but being a bird feeder
it is often responsible for missing buderigars from outside aviaries.
Has a very distinct stealthy hunting method, stalking up until
almost touching its prey before grabbing it. Cat snakes come in
a wide variety of colours, including bright pink hues.
Cliff racer, sand snake, tree snake (Psammophis schokari) – 1 m 52 cm
Probably the most frequently sighted Arabian snake, having a wide
habitat and being day active. Very good climbers, these long thin
snakes often appear in gardens hunting mice and geckos, and disappear
with amazing speed when disturbed. Plain grey or sand brown in
colour with a black and white stripe running through the eye.
AGLIPHS – Totally harmless
Some colubrids are included under the general heading Agliph –
harmless snakes with no venom or fangs.
Family Colubridae
Sand racer (Coluber rhodorachis) – 1 m 27 cm
Similar to the cliff racer but without the eye stripe. Does not
climb so well, but is extremely fast moving and active during
the day. It is also a good swimmer, catching fish in pools (and
fish pond). These snakes come in a wide variety of colours and
patterns, from plain grey or brown to speckled or banded, and
usually taper to a long thin tail in plain brown.
Rat snake (Coluber ventromaculatus) 36 inches
A common snake in the scrub desert and rocky wadis of Dhofar.
Very similar to the sand racer in appearance except for a dark
bar marking on the top of the head, ending in a comma shape around
each eye. Can often be seen hiding in bushes.
Thomas’ snake (Coluber thomasi) – 45 cm
A distinctive snake boldly marked with black and pale yellow bands.
To be found in rocky mountainous terrain.
Awl headed snake (Lytorhynchus diadema) – 45 cm
Sometimes known as the leaf-nosed snake due to the large scale
covering the tip of the nose. Night active, they spend the day
hiding in burrows. Coloured light grey/brown with dark blotches
and a distinctive head marking of brown bars. Although harmless
to humans they put on a quite dramatic aggression display if disturbed.
The body is formed into two coils like a figure eight and then
repeatedly straightened, giving loud rasping noises from the rubbing
of the scales.
Family Boidae
Sand boa (Eryx jayakari) – 63 cm
The only true constrictor in Arabia, although many colubrids also
use constriction as a method of subduing their prey. Recognizable
by its shovel shaped head with small eyes set high on top. This
small stocky yellow and brown snake spends most of its time buried
in the sand.
Family Leptotyphlopidae
Thread snake (Leptoyphlops macrorhynchus)
A small pink wormlike snake that is the same diameter for almost
all its length. Feeds mainly on termites and ants. These are probably
the world’s smallest snakes.