Trimeresurus mangshanensis
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| Trimeresurus mangshanensis Zhao, 1990 |
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- Common names: Mangshan pitviper.[2]
Trimeresurus mangshanensis is a venomous pitviper species endemic to Hunan province in China.[1] It is reputed to be the only non-cobra known to spit venom.[3] No subspecies are currently recognized.[4]
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[edit] Geographic range
Known only from the type locality: "Pingkeng, Mangshan (Mt. Mang), Izhang County, Hunan Province, China."[1]
[edit] Conservation status
This species is classified as vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List for the following criteria: D2 (v2.3, 1994).[5] This means that the population is very small and characterised by an acute restriction in its area of occupancy (typically less than 100 km²), or in the number of locations (typically less than five). It is therefore prone to the effects of human activities (or stochastic events whose impact is increased by human activities) within a very short period of time in an unforeseeable future, and is thus capable of becoming Critically Endangered or even Extinct in a very short period. Year assessed: 1996.[6]
[edit] Habitat
Found in mountainous regions in Southern Hunan. Although first discovered in the Mt Mang mountain range, it is also found in surrounding areas. Primarily found in forested areas with thick vegetation and cover. Frequently rests against logs and other structures along animal trails to ambush prey. Can also be found in the numerous caves in the region. Winter temperatures in the region come close to freezing, whilst summer temperatures can reach 30°C or higher.
[edit] Taxonomy
Various sources now refer to this species as Zhaoermia mangshanensis.[7]
[edit] See also
- List of crotaline species and subspecies
- Trimeresurus by common name
- Trimeresurus by taxonomic synonyms
- Crotalinae by common name
- Crotalinae by taxonomic synonyms
- Snakebite
[edit] References
- ^ a b c McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
- ^ Gumprecht A, Tillack F, Orlov NL, Captain A, Ryabov S. 2004. Asian Pitvipers. GeitjeBooks Berlin. 1st Edition. 368 pp. ISBN 3-937975-00-4.
- ^ O'Shea M. 2005. Venomous Snakes of the World. Princeton University Press. 160 pp. ISBN 0691124361.
- ^ Trimeresurus mangshanensis (TSN 634924). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved on 4 November 2006.
- ^ Trimeresurus mangshanensis at the IUCN Red List. Accessed 2 September 2007.
- ^ 1994 Categories & Criteria (version 2.3) at the IUCN Red List. Accessed 2 September 2007.
- ^ Gumprecht A, Tillack F. 2004. Proposal for a replacement name of the snake genus Ermia Zhang, 1993. Russ. J. Herpetol. 11(1): 73-76.
[edit] External links
- Zhaoermia mangshanensis at the TIGR Reptile Database. Accessed 2 September 2007.
- Ermia at Herpbreeder.com. Accessed 26 September 2006.
- Image 1 of 2 at xinhuanet.com. Accessed 12 November 2006.
- Image 2 of 2 at xinhuanet.com. Accessed 12 November 2006.
