Which African viper has a horn-like projection on its snout?

The African viper with a horn-like projection on its snout is the horned viper, Cerastes cerastes. This venomous snake is also called the Saharan horned viper or desert horned viper and is famous for the horn-like scales above its eyes. In some individuals the horns are prominent, while in others they may be reduced or absent.

Horned vipers inhabit sandy and rocky deserts across North Africa and parts of the Middle East. Their sandy coloration provides camouflage, and they often move by sidewinding across loose desert ground. They may also bury themselves in sand, leaving only their eyes and head exposed while waiting for prey.

The species feeds mainly on small mammals, lizards, and birds. Like other vipers, it has hinged fangs that inject venom, and its heat-sensitive loreal pits help detect warm-blooded prey.

The horns are not antlers or separate structures; they are modified scales. This distinguishes the horned viper from the similarly named rhinoceros viper, an African forest snake with a different appearance and habitat.