Echis carinatus

Low terrestrial terrarium, fully lockable and escape-proof, dedicated to VENOMOUS species (safety lock, top opening or controlled hatch, hook/tongs mandatory). Stable décor prevents unplanned hiding spots.

VENOMOUS species that is medically dangerous (see health). Keeping it almost everywhere requires a specific legal authorization (certificate of competence / venomous permit depending on the country) and an emergency protocol with antivenom identified in advance. Provide 2 hides on opposite sides (warm zone/cool zone) and a humid hide for shedding. Not listed under CITES to date, but nationally regulated — check your local legislation.

An overall dry atmosphere. Occasional peaks tolerated via a humid hide, essential for a complete shed. Avoid stagnant humidity, which promotes infections.

Favour a loose, dry substrate that allows sidewinding and slight burrowing. Avoid sand that is too fine and inhalable or permanently damp. Ban dusty substrates (respiratory infections).

UVB is not essential (nocturnal/crepuscular species) but low UVB (Ferguson zone 1-2, 2-5% tube) is beneficial for well-being and vitamin D3 metabolism. Provide a ~10-12 h photoperiod and shaded areas.

A small bowl of clean, stable water, renewed regularly. Despite the arid environment, water must remain available at all times; avoid overflow that would dampen the substrate.

Arid and semi-arid regions of the Indian subcontinent and South-West Asia: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Central Asia and the Middle East. Dry habitats (rocky steppes, sandy or loose soils, scrubland).

Carnivore, opportunistic and very hardy — Appropriately sized rodents (pinkies to adult mice) for adults; juveniles readily accept invertebrates (crickets, roaches, scorpions) and small lizards.

Feed dead prey (pre-killed/thawed) using long tongs, never by hand. Adults: 1 prey item every 7-14 days; juveniles more often. A species prone to obesity in captivity — do not overfeed.

Clutch 5–15 eggs/young. Depending on the population: egg-laying or live birth of young, 5 to 15 per litter/clutch. Breeding is often preceded by a cooler winter rest period. Handling neonates, which are already venomous: same precautions as for adults.

• Incomplete shed (dysecdysis) linked to insufficient humidity/humid hide
• Respiratory infections (dusty substrate, stagnant humidity, temperatures too low)
• Stomatitis (mouth rot) of bacterial origin
• Internal and external parasitism (common in wild-caught specimens — quarantine and faecal exams essential)
• Dehydration and renal disorders / gout in case of insufficient access to water