Kingdom Animalia Suborder Serpentes Genus Vipera Phylum Chordata Rank Species Family Viperidae | Subphylum Vertebrata Subfamily Viperinae Scientific name Vipera latifii Higher classification Vipera Order Scaled reptiles | |
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Similar Snake, Vipera, Vipers, Vipera bornmuelleri, Vipera wagneri | ||
Vipera latifii is a venomous viper species endemic to Iran. No subspecies are currently recognized.
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Etymology
The specific name, latifii, is in honor of Iranian herpetologist Mahmoud Latifi, who collected the holotype.
Description
For adult males, the maximum total length (body + tail) is 78 cm (31 in); for females, 70 cm (28 in).
Holotype: SMF 62585.
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].
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). 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.
Habitat
It is found in rocky habitats at 2180–2900 m (7,150-9,500 ft) altitude .