Macrovipera deserti
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Common names: desert viper.[2][3]
Macrovipera deserti is a venomous viper species found in North Africa.[1] No subspecies are currently recognized.[4]
Description
Grows to a length of 1.6 m.[2] Others say 1.3 m.[3]
Geographic range
North Africa: Libya, Tunisia and possibly Algeria. The type locality is listed as "Duriat, South Tunisia."[1] Mallow et al. (2003) mention that it does occur in the southern foothills of the Atlas Mountains in Algeria.[3]
Conservation status
This species is classified as Near Threatened (NT) according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (v3.1, 2001). Classified as such because its extent of occurrence is probably not much greater than 20,000 km² and its population is likely declining due to over-harvesting and persecution, therefore making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable. Year assessed: 2005.[5][6]
Habitat
Occurs in rocky, mountainous areas that are semiarid, but well-vegetated.[2]
Reproduction
This species lays eggs (oviparous).[2]
Venom
Little is known. Antivenoms meant for M. lebetina and Daboia russelii show the strongest cross-reactivity with this venom.[3]
See also
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 2.3 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.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Spawls S, Branch B. 1995. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Ralph Curtis Books. Dubai: Oriental Press. 192 pp. ISBN 0-88359-029-8.
- ↑ Macrovipera deserti (TSN 634952). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 6 August 2006.
- ↑ Daboia deserti at IUCN Red List. Accessed 7 October 2006.
- ↑ 2001 Categories & Criteria (version 3.1)IUCN Red List. Accessed 7 October 2006.
External links
- Species Macrovipera deserti at the Species2000 Database