Trimeresurus mangshanensis | |
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Conservation status | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Serpentes |
Family: | Viperidae |
Subfamily: | Crotalinae |
Genus: | Trimeresurus |
Species: | T. mangshanensis |
Binomial name | |
Trimeresurus mangshanensis Zhao, 1990 |
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Synonyms | |
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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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Known only from the type locality: "Pingkeng, Mangshan (Mt. Mang), Izhang County, Hunan Province, China."[1]
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]
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.
This species was originally described in the genus Trimeresurus. A new genus, Ermia, was erected for the species in 1993.[7] However, this genus name was already in use for a genus of locusts. The new generic name Zhaoermia was therefore proposed as a replacement name for Ermia.[8] More recently, Guo et al. (2007)[9] transferred the species to the genus Protobothrops, based on evidence that mangshanensis is phylogenetically nested within the existing species of that genus. The species is therefore currently known as Protobothrops mangshanensis.