Vipera kaznakovi
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| Vipera kaznakovi Nikolsky, 1909 |
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Vipera kaznakovi is a venomous viper species found in Turkey, Georgia and Russia.[1] No subspecies are currently recognized.[4]
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[edit] Description
A stoutly built species, of which the males are usually shorter and more slender than the females. Adults may reach a maximum length of 65-70 cm, but are usually less. Orlov and Tuniyev examined 39 specimens; of 23 males, the largest measured 47.5 cm, while of the 16 females, the largest was 60 cm.[2]
[edit] Common names
Caucasus viper, Kaznakow's viper,[2] Kaznakov's viper.[3] Caucasus adder.[5]
[edit] Geographic range
Northeastern Turkey, Georgia and Russia (eastern Black Sea coast. The type locality is "Tsebel'da, Sukhumi District," according to the English translation of Nikolsky (1909). Orlov and Tuniyev (1990) interpret this as Tsebelda, the vicinity of Sukhumi [on the east coast of the Black Sea], Abkhasia, the Caucasus [Georgia].[1]
[edit] Conservation status
This species is classified as Endangered (EN) according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species with the following criteria: A1cd+2cd (v2.3, 1994).[6] This indicates that the species is not critically endangered, but is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. This is due to an observed, estimated, inferred or suspected reduction in population of at least 50% over the last 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer, based on a decline in area of occupancy, extent of occurrence and/or quality of habitat, as well as actual or potential levels of exploitation. For the same reasons, a reduction in the population of at least 50% is also projected or suspected to be met within the next 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer. Year assessed: 1996.[7]
It is also listed as strictly protected (Appendix II) under the Berne Convention.[8]
[edit] See also
- List of viperine species and subspecies
- Viperinae by common name
- Viperinae 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).
- ^ a b c Mallow D, Ludwig D, Nilson G. 2003. True Vipers: Natural History and Toxinology of Old World Vipers. Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida. 359 pp. ISBN 0-89464-877-2.
- ^ a b Mehrtens JM. 1987. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X.
- ^ Vipera kaznakovi (TSN 634993). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved on 17 August 2006.
- ^ Brown JH. 1973. Toxicology and Pharmacology of Venoms from Poisonous Snakes. Springfield, Illinois: Charles C. Thomas. 184 pp. LCCCN 73-229. ISBN 0-398-02808-7.
- ^ Vipera kaznakovi at the IUCN Red List. Accessed 2 September 2007.
- ^ 1994 Categories & Criteria (version 2.3) at the IUCN Red List. Accessed 2 September 2007.
- ^ Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, Appendix II at Council of Europe. Accessed 9 October 2006.
[edit] Further reading
- Orlov NL, Tuniyev BF. 1990. Three species in the Vipera kaznakowi complex (Eurosiberian Group) in the Caucasus: Their present distribution, possible genesis, and phylogeny. Asiatic Herpetological Research 3:1-36.
[edit] External links
- Vipera kaznakovi at the TIGR Reptile Database. Accessed 2 September 2007.
