Vipera latastei gaditana

(Saint Girons, 1977)

Vernacular names
English : Lataste’s viper
French : Vipère de Lataste

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Viperidae
Notes : 2 other subspecies known.

Identification
Medium-sized species growing to 60 cm (rarely 70 cm). Triangular head, upturned snout forming a small horn. Coloration is grey to brownish-red with a wide dark brown to black zigzag band on back.

Range and habitat
This subspecies is found in south Portugal and Spain, and from North Morocco to Tunisia. Species also occurs in most of Spain and Portugal. Lives in rocky areas, sandy dunes, in lowlands and mountains, to 3000 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is increasingly rare and could be extinct in parts of its range because of widespread habitat loss and persecution. It is listed as Vulnerable.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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