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Montatheris
Montatheris is a monotypic genus created for a venomous viper species, M. hindii. This is a small terrestrial species found only at high altitude on Mount Kenya and the Aberdare mountain range in Kenya. No subspecies are currently recognized.[6] Additional recommended knowledge
DescriptionThis is a small species reaching an average length of 20-30 cm and a maximum of about 35 cm. The head is elongated and not very distinct from the neck, while the eyes are small and set in a rather forwards position. The dorsal scales are strongly keeled.[2] Geographic rangeEndemic to Kenya. Known only from isolated populations on Mount Kenya and the moorlands of the Plateau, Kinangop Aberdare mountains. The type locality listed is "Fort Hall, Kenya." Since Fort Hall is at an altitude of only 4000 feet (1219 meters), Loveridge (1957) questioned whether this was accurate.[1][3] HabitatOccurs at high altitudes of 2700-3800 m in treeless moorlands. Favors clumps of bunch grass for cover.[3] BehaviorA terrestrial species. Because of the low nighttime temperatures in its native habitat, it is only active during the day and when there is enough sunlight to warm its environment.[3] FeedingIt feeds on chameleons, skinks and small frogs. It may also take small rodents.[7] ReproductionThis species is apparently viviparous (ovoviviparous). One wild-caught female produced two young in late January,[3] while another gave birth to three in May. The young were 10-13 cm long.[2] See also
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This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Montatheris". A list of authors is available in Wikipedia. |