Vipera ammodytes ammodytes

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Nose-horned viper
French : Vipère ammodyte

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Viperidae
Notes : 3 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to 95 cm in length, males often larger than females. Easily recognizable with its large fleshy horn on nose, protruding forward. Ground coloration from grey to brown or orange with dark zigzag motif on back.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in southern and eastern Europe, from North-east Italy and Austria to Greece, Cyclades islands and Turkey (west of Bosphorus). Lives in dry rocky areas in lowlands and mountains, including cultivated areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species and its subspecies have a large range and fairly big population but these are now declining. The main local threats are loss of habitat from overgrazing and agricultural practices, persecution and overcollection.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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