Vipera latifii
| Vipera latifii | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Subfamily: | Viperinae |
| Genus: | Vipera |
| Species: | V. latifii |
| Binomial name | |
| Vipera latifii Mertens, Darevsky & Klemmer, 1967 | |
 | |
| Synonyms | |
Vipera latifii is a venomous viper species endemic to Iran. No subspecies are currently recognized.[5]
Etymology
The specific name, latifii, is in honor of Iranian herpetologist Mahmoud Latifi,[6] who collected the holotype.[7]
Description
For adult males, the maximum total length (body + tail) is 78 cm (31 in); for females, 70 cm (28 in).[3]
Geographic range
It is found in Iran in the upper Lar Valley in the Alborz Mountains.
The type locality is listed as "Hochtal von Lar (2180-2900 m Höhe), südwestlisch des Demavend-Gipfels im Elburs-Gebirge, nordöstlich von Tehran, Iran" [High valley of the Lar (7,150–9,500 ft), southwest of Demavend Peak in the Elburz Mountains, northwest of Tehran, Iran].[2]
Conservation status
This species is classified Endangered (En) according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species with the following criteria: B1+2c (v2.3, 1994).[8] This indicates that the extent of occurrence is estimated to be less than 20,000 km², or the area of occupancy is estimated to be less than 2,000 km². Estimates indicate that the total population is severely fragmented or known to exist at no more than ten locations. Also, a continuing decline is inferred, observed or projected in the area, extent and/or quality of its habitat. Year assessed: 1996.[9]
Habitat
It is found in rocky habitats at 2180–2900 m (7,150-9,500 ft) altitude .[2]
See also
- List of viperine species and subspecies
- Viperinae by common name
- Viperinae by taxonomic synonyms
- Snakebite
References
- ↑ Nilson, G. (2008). "Montivipera latifii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2011.1. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 26 June 2011. Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is of endangered.
- 1 2 3 4 McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, Volume 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
- 1 2 Mallow D, Ludwig D, Nilson G. 2003. True Vipers: Natural History and Toxinology of Old World Vipers. Malabar, Florida: Krieger Publishing Company. 359 pp. ISBN 0-89464-877-2.
- ↑ Mehrtens JM. 1987. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X.
- ↑ "Vipera latifii". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 17 August 2006.
- ↑ Beolens, Bo; Michael Watkins; Michael Grayson. 2011. The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 312 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Vipera latifii, p. 151.)
- ↑ The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.
- ↑ Vipera latifii at the IUCN Red List. Accessed 2 September 2007.
- ↑ 1994 Categories & Criteria (version 2.3) at the IUCN Red List. Accessed 2 September 2007.
Further reading
- Golay P, Smith HM, Broadley DG, Dixon JR, McCarthy CJ, Rage J-C, Schätti B, Toriba M. 1993. Endoglyphs and Other Major Venomous Snakes of the World. A Checklist. Geneva: Azemiops. 478 pp.
- Latifi M. 1991. The Snakes of Iran. Oxford, Ohio: Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. 167 pp. ISBN 0-916984-22-2. (Vipera latifii, "Damavandi Viper", p. 132.)
- Mertens R, Darevsky IL, Klemmer K. 1967. Vipera latifii, eine neue Giftschlange aus dem Iran. Senckenbergiana Biologica 48: 161-168.
External links
- Montivipera latifii at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 2 September 2007.