Vipera latifii

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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 - Mertens, Darevsky & Klemmer, 1967
  • Daboia (Daboia) raddei latifii - Obst, 1983
  • Vipera latifii - Weinstein & Minton, 1984
  • Vipera raddei latifii - Golay et al., 1993[1]

Common names: Latifi's viper.[2]  
 
Vipera latifii is a venomous viper species endemic in Iran. No subspecies are currently recognized.[3]

Description

For adult males, the maximum length is 78 cm, for females 70 cm.[2]

Holotype: SMF 62585.[1]

Geographic range

Found only in Iran in the upper Lar Valley in the Elburz 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 (2180-2900 m), southwest of the Demavend Peak in the Elburz Mountains, northwest of Tehran, Iran].[1]

Conservation status

This species is classified Vulnerable (VU) according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species with the following criteria: B1+2c (v2.3, 1994).[4] 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.[5]

Habitat

Rocky habitats at 2180-2900 m altitude.[1]


References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 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 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. Vipera latifii (TSN 202181) at Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed 29 June 2007.
  4. Vipera latifii at IUCN Red List. Accessed 6 October 2006.
  5. 1994 Categories & Criteria (version 2.3)IUCN Red List. Accessed 5 October 2006.