The Horned Desert Viper is a venomous snake native to the arid regions of the North African deserts. It is known for its distinctive horn-like scales above its eyes, which help it blend into its sandy environment. This snake typically grows to about 60-90 centimeters in length and has a stout body covered in a pattern of browns and tans, providing excellent camouflage. These vipers are primarily nocturnal hunters, preying on small mammals, lizards, and birds. They use their heat-sensing pits to detect warm-blooded prey in the dark. The Horned Desert Viper is an important part of its ecosystem, helping to control the populations of its prey species.