Kingdom Animalia Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Serpentes Scientific name Macrovipera deserti Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Order Squamata Family Viperidae Higher classification Macrovipera | |
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Similar Vipers, Macrovipera, Snake, Macrovipera mauritanica, Reptile | ||
Macrovipera deserti is a venomous viper species endemic to North Africa. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Contents
Description
It grows to a total length (body + tail) of 1.6 m (5.2 ft). Others say 1.3 m (4.3 ft).
Common names
Desert viper, Libyan desert blunt-nosed viper, desert adder, Sahara adder, Sahara viper.
Geographic range
It is found in North Africa in Libya, Tunisia, and possibly in Algeria.
The type locality given in the original description is "Duriat, South Tunisia". Mallow et al. (2003) mention that it does occur in the southern foothills of the Atlas Mountains in Algeria.
Conservation status
This species is classified as Near Threatened (NT) according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (v3.1, 2001). It is classified as such because its extent of occurrence is probably not much greater than 20,000 km² (7,722 sq mi) and its population is likely declining due to over-harvesting and persecution, therefore making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable. The population trend is down. Year assessed: 2005.
Habitat
Occurs in rocky, mountainous areas that are semiarid, but well-vegetated.
Reproduction
This species lays eggs (oviparous).
Venom
Little is known about its venom. Antivenoms meant for M. lebetina and Daboia russelii show the strongest cross-reactivity with this venom.