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Macrovipera schweizeri

Macrovipera schweizeri
Benny Trapp Macrovipera schweizeri rote Morphe.jpg
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Viperidae
Subfamily: Viperinae
Genus: Macrovipera
Species: M. schweizeri
Binomial name
Macrovipera schweizeri
(F. Werner, 1935)
Macrovipera schweizeri distribution.png
Synonyms
  • [Vipera lebetina] schweizeri
    F. Werner, 1935
  • Vipera lebetina schweizeri
    Mertens, 1951
  • Vipera lebetina siphnensis
    Wettstein, 1952
  • Daboia (Daboia) lebetina schweizeri
    Obst, 1983
  • D[aboia]. l[ebetina]. schweizeri
    Engelmann et al., 1985
  • Vipera schweizeri
    Nilson & Andrén, 1988
  • Vipera lebetina schweizeri
    — González, 1991
  • Macrovipera schweizeri
    Herrmann, & Nilson, 1992

Macrovipera schweizeri is a venomous viper species found in Greece on the islands of the Cyclades Archipelago in the Aegean sea. No subspecies are currently recognized.

The specific name, schweizeri, is in honor of German herpetologist Hans Schweizer (1891–1975).

M. schweizeri grows to an average total length (including tail) of 50–70 cm (20–28 in), with a maximum of 98.5 cm (38.8 in).

M. schweizeri is found on the Grecian islands of the Cyclades Archipelago in the Aegean Sea: Milos and the three smaller, adjacent islands of Siphnos, Kimolos and Poliaigos. The type locality is given as "Insel Milos ".

This species, M. schweizeri, is classified as Endangered (EN) according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species with the following criteria: B1ab(iii,v) (v3.1, 2001). This indicates that the extent of its occurrence within its geographic range is estimated to be less than 5,000 km² (1,930 sq mi), that its populations are severely fragmented or known to exist at no more than five locations. Furthermore, a continuing decline is observed, inferred or projected in the area, extent and/or quality of habitat, as well as the number of mature individuals.

So listed because its extent of occurrence is, in fact, not much greater than 100 km² (39 sq mi) -- it is known from only four small islands. There is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat, and it is experiencing a decline in the number of mature individuals due to persecution and over-collecting. Year assessed: 2005.

It is also listed as strictly protected (Appendix II) under the Berne Convention.


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