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
    Mertens, Darevsky & Klemmer, 1967
  • Daboia (Daboia) raddei latifii
    — Obst, 1983
  • Vipera latifii
    — Weinstein & Minton, 1984
  • Vipera raddei latifii
    — Golay et al., 1993[2]
Common names: Latifi's viper,[3] Iranian valley viper.[4]

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]

Holotype: SMF 62585.[2]

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

References

  1. ↑ 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.
  2. 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).
  3. 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.
  4. ↑ Mehrtens JM. 1987. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X.
  5. ↑ "Vipera latifii". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 17 August 2006.
  6. ↑ 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.)
  7. ↑ The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.
  8. ↑ Vipera latifii at the IUCN Red List. Accessed 2 September 2007.
  9. ↑ 1994 Categories & Criteria (version 2.3) at the IUCN Red List. Accessed 2 September 2007.

Further reading

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