Rhinoceros Viper
Bitis nasicornis
Silhouette: Steven Traver · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassSquamata
- FamilyViperidae (Vipers)
- GenusBitis (Puff Adders)
- SpeciesBitis nasicornis (Rhinoceros Viper)
About the Rhinoceros Viper
Bitis nasicornis is a viper species belonging to the genus Bitis, part of a subfamily known as "puff-adders", found in the forests of West and Central Africa. This large viper is known for its striking coloration and prominent nasal "horns". No subspecies are currently recognized. Its common names include butterfly viper, rhinoceros viper, river jack and many more (see section: common names). Like all other vipers, it is venomous.
Its common and historical names include butterfly viper, rhinoceros viper, river jack, rhinoceros horned viper, horned puff adder and rhinoceros puff adder. Americo-Liberians apparently call adult "puff-adders", such as the B. nasicornis, but also the B. gabonica (gaboon viper), cassava snakes.
Historically this species was referred to as the rhinoceros viper (for example German: Nashornviper, French: Vipère rhinocéros) but this introduced confusion after the reclassification of the closely related species Bitis rhinoceros. The common name butterfly viper is therefore more distinct and preferred to avoid confusion.
The name "horned puff adder" (in relation to the viper subfamily "puff adders", today synonymous with the genus Bitis) is also... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Rhinoceros Viper in Kibale National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Kibale National Park
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kibale National Park | 🇺🇬 Uganda | |
| 2 | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | 🇺🇬 Uganda | |
| 3 | Nyungwe National Park | 🇷🇼 Rwanda | |
| 4 | Virunga National Park | 🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of the Congo |