| Vipera latastei | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Subfamily: | Viperinae |
| Genus: | Vipera |
| Species: | V. latastei |
| Binomial name | |
| Vipera latastei Bosca, 1878 |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
Vipera latastei is a venomous viper species found in extreme southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa.[2] Two subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.[5]
Contents |
Grows to a maximum length of about 72 cm(28.3 in), but usually less.[3] It is grey in color, has a triangular head, horn on the tip of its nose, and zig-zag pattern on its back. [6] The yellow tip of the tail is possibly used to lure prey. It can be seen day or night but is usually hidden under rocks. [7]
Extreme southwestern Europe (France, Portugal and Spain) and northwestern Africa (the Mediterranean region of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia). The type locality given is "Ciudad Real." Emended to "Valencia, Spanien" (Valencia, Spain) by Mertens and Müller (1928).[2]
This species is found in generally moist, rocky areas, in dry scrubland and woodland, hedgerows, stone walls and sometimes in coastal dunes. [8]
The females give birth to between two and 13 young. On average, females give birth only once every three years. [9]
This species was classified as Near Threatened (NT) according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (v3.1, 2001), from 2008 is recognised as Vulnerable (VU).[10] Listed as such because it is probably in significant decline (but likely at a rate of less than 30% over ten years) due to widespread habitat loss and persecution throughout much of its range, thus making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable. Further population reduction is expected, but is not likely to exceed 30% over the next 10 years, but localized extinctions in parts of its range are possible (e.g., Tunisia). Year assessed: 2005.[11]
It is also listed as a strictly protected species (Appendix II) under the Berne Convention.[12]
| Species[5] | Taxon author[5] | Geographic range |
|---|---|---|
| V. l. gaditana | Saint-Girons, 1977 | Southern Spain and Portugal, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia.[2][3] |
| V. l. latastei | Bosca, 1878 | Most of the Iberian peninsula south of the Pyrenees.[3] |