Montivipera raddei raddei

(Boettger, 1890)

Vernacular names
English : Armenian mountain viper
French : Vipère de Radde

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Viperidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known.

Identification
The species can reach a maximum length of 1 m. Females smaller. Large triangular head with raised scales above eyes. Grey coloration with black spots on flanks and band behind eyes. Black edged orange-brown spots on back.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in western Asia (Asia minor), from eastern Turkey to Armenia, Azerbaijan and northern Iran. Lives in rocky mountain slopes with bushes and fields, from 1100 to 2400 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is overcollected in Turkey for the animal trade. It is also vulnerable to overgrazing by livestock and persecution.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America

Observation

 

Back to “Vipers, Pitvipers and relatives” page