Cerastes viperus, commonly known as the horned viper, is a venomous snake found in the deserts of North Africa and parts of the Middle East. It is known for its distinctive horn-like scales above each eye, sandy coloration for camouflage, and sidewinding movement across the hot desert sands. The viper plays a crucial role in controlling rodent populations within its arid habitat.

Cerastes viperus, commonly known as the Saharan horned viper, is native to the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East. Its geographical distribution includes countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and parts of the Arabian Peninsula.

The Saharan horned viper inhabits arid and semi-arid desert regions characterized by sandy and stony environments. It is typically found in areas with sparse vegetation, such as dunes and rocky outcrops, where it can easily camouflage and hunt.

Cerastes viperus occupies the niche of an ambush predator, lying in wait to capture small mammals, birds, and lizards. Its physiological adaptations, such as its ability to bury itself in sand and its heat-sensitive pits, allow it to thrive in extreme desert climates with high temperatures and limited water resources.