Saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus). This snake,also known as the carpet viper,has highly toxic venom and is thought to have killed more people than any other snake. This is also due to its wide range,as it is found in arid areas throughout Africa and Asia. It is a small snake,reaching around 30 centimetres in length,and spends much of its time buried just beneath the surface of sand,waiting for prey to come within striking distance. It feeds mainly on small rodents,lizards and arthropods,although it is aggressive and will strike if disturbed by humans. An antivenom is available,although in rural areas it can be too long before it is administered |