Macrovipera schweizeri
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Common names: Milos viper.[2]
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.[3]
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 Polinos.[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) (v2.3, 1994).[4] 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.[5]
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.[4]
It is also listed as strictly protected (Appendix II) under the Berne Convention.[6]
See also
- Macrovipera.
- List of viperine species and subspecies.
- True vipers - Common names.
- True vipers - Synonymy.
- Snakebite.
Cited references
- ↑ 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).
- ↑ 2.0 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.
- ↑ Macrovipera schweizeri (TSN 634979). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 9 August 2006.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Macrovipera schweizeri at IUCN Red List. Accessed 7 October 2006.
- ↑ 1994 Categories & Criteria (version 2.3)IUCN Red List. Accessed 7 October 2006.
- ↑ Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, Appendix II at Council of Europe. Accessed 9 October 2006.
External links
- Species Macrovipera schweizeri at the Species2000 Database
- Cyclades blunt-nosed viper (Macrovipera schweizeri) at ARKive. Accessed 26 September 2006.
- Macrovipera schweizeri at Amphibians and Reptiles of Europe. Accessed 9 October 2006.