The horned viper (Vipera ammodytes) is a venomous snake species belonging to the family Viperidae. It is native to parts of Europe and Western Asia and is found naturally in Türkiye’s Thrace and Marmara regions. The species takes its name from a prominent, horn-like projection on its snout, which curves upward. This distinctive morphological trait sets it apart from other viper species and facilitates easy identification.

Morphological Characteristics of Vipera ammodytes

Vipera ammodytes is a medium-sized, stout-bodied snake. It typically measures between 60 and 90 cm in length but can occasionally reach up to 1 meter. While coloration may vary by region, it generally displays a zigzag dorsal pattern on a gray, yellowish, or brownish background. The most defining feature is the triangular, flattened, and upward-curving horn on its snout. The head is distinctly triangular and well-differentiated from the body. The pupils are vertically elliptical. Its venomous fangs are long, movable, and capable of being extended forward when necessary. The dorsal surface is covered with large scales, usually marked with a dark zigzag pattern.

Geographical Distribution and Preferred Habitats

The horned viper is distributed widely across Europe, extending from Italy through the Balkans, Greece, Bulgaria, and into northwestern Türkiye. Within Türkiye, it is observed in the Thrace region (Edirne, Kırklareli, Tekirdağ) and along the western coasts of the Marmara Region. Its favored habitats include rocky and stony terrains, open hillsides, shrublands, and forest margins. The species typically inhabits low to mid-elevation zones (0–1000 m). Due to its need for basking, it tends to select shelters close to open and sunlit areas.

^{Horned Viper (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)}

Ecological Significance and Trophic Role

Vipera ammodytes plays a crucial role in its ecosystem, functioning as both predator and prey. It primarily feeds on small rodents (e.g., mice, voles), lizards, and the chicks of ground-nesting birds. By controlling rodent populations, the species indirectly benefits agricultural environments. It is also a prey item for larger animals such as eagles, storks, mustelids, and foxes. The presence of vipers in a region can be an indicator of a well-functioning and balanced ecosystem. Therefore, conserving this species contributes to broader ecological stability.

Venom Properties and Medical Relevance

The venom of Vipera ammodytes is predominantly hemotoxic, causing tissue necrosis, damage to blood vessels, and systemic symptoms. Bite symptoms may include localized swelling, pain, bruising, and occasionally ulceration. If untreated promptly, envenomation can lead to serious complications; however, such bites are rarely fatal. In Türkiye, the mortality rate from snakebites is low, and effective antivenom treatment generally ensures full recovery. Enzymes derived from the venom of this species are currently being studied for their potential anticoagulant properties in biopharmaceutical research.

Conservation Challenges and Threat Factors

Despite its wide distribution, the horned viper faces several threats, including habitat fragmentation, agricultural development, wildfires, and deliberate killing by humans. While it is not yet listed as a protected species in Türkiye, it is included under the European Union Habitats Directive as a species of conservation concern. Ensuring its protection also supports the preservation of the ecosystems it inhabits.

• Distinctive Trait: Prominent horn-like projection on the snout
• Length: Typically 60–90 cm
• Venom: Potent hemotoxic venom
• Habitat: Rocky, shrubby areas in Northwestern Anatolia, Thrace, and the Marmara regions
• Note: Recognized as one of Europe’s most venomous snake species