West African Carpet Viper (Echis ocellatus) — Least Concern Reptilia

West African Carpet Viper

Echis ocellatus

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Reptilia · Viperidae

About

Echis ocellatus, known by the common names West African carpet viper and ocellated carpet viper, is a highly venomous species of viper endemic to West Africa. No subspecies are currently recognized.

Fun Fact

The maximum total length (body + tail) is 65 cm (26 in), possibly more, while the average total length is 30–50 cm (12–20 in).

Quick Facts

Habitat

Found in West Africa in Mali, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Benin, southern Niger, and Nigeria.

Diet

Prey at the first hours of the night, prey like small vertebrates, like mammals, birds, lizards and amphibians, it has already been reported to hunt small invertebrates like centipedes and scorpions.

Lifespan

To be updated

Threats

  • Habitat Change
  • Human Disturbance

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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