Montatheris


Montatheris is a monotypic genus created for the venomous viper species, M. hindii. This is a small terrestrial species endemic to Kenya. There are no subspecies which are currently recognized as being valid.

Etymology

The specific name, hindii, is in honor of Sidney Langford Hinde, a British military medical officer and naturalist.

Description

Montatheris hindii is a small species reaching an average total length of and a maximum total length of about. 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.

Geographic range

Montatheris hindii is known only from isolated populations at high altitudes on Mount Kenya and the moorlands of the Kinangop Plateau, Aberdare Mountains.
The type locality listed is "Fort Hall, Kenya District, 4000 ft.". Since Fort Hall is at an altitude of only 4000 feet, Loveridge questioned whether this was accurate.

Habitat

Montatheris hindii occurs at high altitudes of in treeless moorlands. It favors clumps of bunch grass for cover.

Behavior

A terrestrial species, because of the low nighttime temperatures in its native habitat, M. hindii is only active during the day and when there is enough sunlight to warm its environment.

Feeding

Montatheris hindii feeds on chameleons, skinks, and small frogs. It may also take small rodents.

Reproduction

This species M. hindii is apparently viviparous. One wild-caught female produced two young in late January, while another gave birth to three in May. The total length of each newborn was.