Macrovipera schweizeri

Macrovipera schweizeri
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Viperidae
Subfamily: Viperinae
Genus: Macrovipera
Species: M. schweizeri
Binomial name
Macrovipera schweizeri
(Werner, 1935)
Synonyms
  • [Vipera lebetina] schweizeri - Werner, 1935
  • Vipera lebetina schweizeri - Mertens, 1951
  • Vipera lebetina siphnensis - Wettstein, 1952
  • Daboia (Daboia) lebetina schweizeri - Obst, 1983
  • D[aboia]. l[ebetina]. schweizeri - Engelmann et al., 1985
  • Vipera schweizeri - Nilson & Andrén, 1988
  • Vipera lebetina schweizeri - González, 1991
  • Macrovipera schweizeri - Herrmann, Joger & Nilson, 1992[1]
Common names: Milos viper,[2] Cyclades blunt-nosed viper.[3]

Macrovipera schweizeri is a venomous viper species found in Greece on the islands of the Cyclades Archipelago in the Aegean sea. No subspecies are currently recognized.[4]

Description

Grows to an average length of 50–70 cm, with a maximum of 98.5 cm.[2]

Geographic range

The Grecian islands of the Cyclades Archipelago in the Aegean Sea: Milos and the three smaller, adjacent islands of Siphnos, Kimolos and Poliaigos.[1][2] The type locality is given as "Insel Milos."[1]

Conservation status

This species is classified as Endangered (EN) according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species with the following criteria: B1ab(iii,v) (v3.1, 2001).[5] This indicates that the extent of its occurrence within its geographic range is estimated to be less than 5,000 km², that its populations are severely fragmented or known to exist at no more than five locations. Furthermore, a continuing decline is observed, inferred or projected in the area, extent and/or quality of habitat, as well as the number of mature individuals.[6]

So listed because its extent of occurrence is, in fact, not much greater than 100 km² -- it is known from only four small islands. There is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat, and it is experiencing a decline in the number of mature individuals due to persecution and over-collecting. Year assessed: 2005.[5]

It is also listed as strictly protected (Appendix II) under the Berne Convention.[7]

Venom

It is narrated by G.A. Boulenger in The Snakes Of Europe that "Dr. de Bedriaga observed this muchdreaded snake, the bite of which is probably as bad as that of its Indian ally, the Daboia, Vipera russelli".[8] It is probable that the snake he assumed was Macrovipera lebetina is in fact the Milos Viper.

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 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).
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 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.
  3. ↑ Steward JW. 1971. The Snakes of Europe. Cranbury, New Jersey: Associated University Press (Fairleigh Dickinson University Press). 238 pp. LCCCN 77-163307. ISBN 0-8386-1023-4.
  4. ↑ "Macrovipera schweizeri". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 9 August 2006.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Macrovipera schweizeri at the IUCN Red List. Accessed 2 September 2007.
  6. ↑ 2001 Categories & Criteria (version 3.1) at the IUCN Red List. Accessed 2 September 2007.
  7. ↑ Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, Appendix II at Council of Europe. Accessed 9 October 2006.
  8. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Snakes_Of_Europe, p 261

External links

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