Sensation in Styria: Hybrid snake between adder and horned viper discovered!

Sensation in Styria: Hybrid snake between adder and horned viper discovered!

In western Upper Styria, a team of reptile experts has made a remarkable discovery: a hybrid snake species consisting of an adder and a horned viper. This sensational discovery set the researchers, led by Werner Stangl, in search of this “bastard viper” for more than 4,000 hours. The Styrian Reptile and Amphibian Association became aware of this search in early summer 2022 after there were first, unconfirmed sightings in 1999 and 2002. Details about the exact location were not disclosed for security reasons in order to protect the animals, as Merkur reports.

During their work, the team came across a total of four hybrid snakes, all of which have different colors and patterns. Markus Mossauer found one of the snakes, a 75 cm long female, and released it back into the wild. Zoologist Rainer Fesser was able to secure another specimen; this is now kept in species-appropriate terrariums. The possible pregnancy of one of the snakes found is particularly exciting, as it showed weight gain and a refusal to eat.

The appearance of the hybrids

The patterning of the new hybrid species varies significantly, with each snake having a unique appearance. While the dorsal markings are dull black, they also have a white belly and a mix of horned viper features and adder zigzag patterns. The special thing is that all four discovered snakes have a hint of a horn on their snout, which is reminiscent of the horned viper, as Puls24 reports.

This hybrid formation was long considered almost impossible, which makes the find all the more fascinating. “Two years ago I saw an animal with characteristics of both species,” remembers Markus Mossauer, who kept the experts’ interest in the animals alive during this time. In nature, the adders (Vipera berus) and horned vipers (Vipera ammodytes), the only native venomous snakes in Austria, are found in different habitats. While adders prefer cooler mountains, horned vipers live in warm, dry regions.

Impact and protection of animals

The Styrian Reptile and Amphibian Association, which has been committed to protecting reptiles for years, has now received permission from the state of Styria to research this new hybrid snake form in detail. This follows reports of previous sightings in Carinthia, where similar hybridizations were observed. The discovery of these snakes could not only provide new insights into the biology of the animals, but also influence their protection status, as the horned viper is considered endangered in Austria, as 5min highlights.

In conclusion, this discovery not only amazes the country's natural scientists, but also raises questions. How do these two species influence each other, and what new insights can be gained from their interaction? We can't wait to see how research develops in the coming years and what surprises the snake world still has in store.