Vipera kaznakovi
Vipera kaznakovi | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Serpentes |
Family: | Viperidae |
Genus: | Vipera |
Species: | V. kaznakovi
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Binomial name | |
Vipera kaznakovi Nikolsky , 1909 | |
Synonyms[1] | |
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Vipera kaznakovi, known as the Caucasus viper, Kaznakow's viper,[2] Kaznakov's viper,[3] and by other common names, is a species of venomous snake in the subfamily Viperinae of the family Viperidae. The species is endemic to Turkey, Georgia, and Russia.[1] No subspecies are currently recognized.[4]
Etymology
The
Description
Vipera kaznakovi is a stoutly built species, of which the males are usually shorter and more slender than the females. Adults may reach a maximum total length (including tail) of 65 to 70 cm (26 to 28 in), but are usually less. Orlov and Tuniyev examined 39 specimens. Of the 23 males examined, the largest measured 47.5 cm (18.7 in) total length; while of the 16 females, the largest was 60 cm (24 in) total length.[2][6]
Common names
Common names for V. kaznakovi include Caucasus viper, Kaznakow's viper,[2] Kaznakov's viper,[3] and Caucasus adder.[7]
Geographic range
Vipera kaznakovi is found in northeastern Turkey, Georgia, and Russia (eastern Black Sea coast).
The
Habitat and ecology
Vipera kaznakovi inhabits the
On the Black Sea coast it emerges from hibernation in March, but at altitudes of 600–800 m (2,000–2,600 ft) above sea level it emerges in the second half of April or the beginning of May. It reproduces from the end of March up to the middle of May. Hibernation begins at the start of November for coastal populations, and at the end of September or the beginning of October for highland populations. The young appear at the end of August or the beginning of September.[8]
Conservation status
The species V. kaznakovi is classified as Endangered (EN) according to the
As of 2008, the IUCN red list of endangered species has listed the Caucasus viper has been listed as being endangered with a decreasing population trend.[8]
It is also listed as strictly protected (Appendix II) under the
Habitat loss and destruction, illegal collection, and intentional or accidental killings are the main threats to V. kaznakovi.[12]
Major threats
Vipera kaznakovi is threatened by illegal overcollection for the international pet trade (Baran and Atatur, 1998). Additional threats include habitat conversion for urban development, tourism, and agriculture. It is becoming rare throughout the Black Sea coastal part of its range, with many populations already extirpated. Key threats to the habitat of these lowland populations include the development of tourism (such as health resorts) and housing, and agricultural expansion (including the ploughing of submontane areas). Within Turkey, the species is additionally threatened by projects to construct dams within its range.[8]
One further factor that affects the population of the viper is its gestation and birthing procedure. The viper is
References
- ^ ISBN 1-893777-01-4(volume).
- ^ ISBN 0-89464-877-2.
- ^ ISBN 0-8069-6460-X.
- ^ "Vipera kaznakovi ". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 17 August 2006.
- ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Vipera kaznakovi, p. 138).
- ^ "More Types of Snakes". January 2009.
- ISBN 0-398-02808-7.
- ^ . Retrieved 15 January 2020.
- ^ Vipera kaznakovi at the IUCN Red List. Accessed 2 September 2007.
- ^ 1994 Categories & Criteria (version 2.3) at the IUCN Red List. Accessed 2 September 2007.
- ^ Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, Appendix II at Council of Europe. Accessed 9 October 2006.
- ^ "Conservation of Vipera Kaznakovi".
- ^ Neill WT (1964). "Viviparity in snakes: some ecological and zoogeographical considerations". American Naturalist 98: 35-55.
Further reading
- Nikolsky AM(1909). "Eine neue Vipernart aus dem Kaukasus ". Tiflis Mitt. Kaukas. Mus. 4: 173-174. (Vipera kaznakovi, new species). (in German).
- Orlov NL, Tuniyev BF (1990). "Three species in the Vipera kaznakowi complex (Eurosiberian Group) in the Caucasus: Their present distribution, possible genesis, and phylogeny". Asiatic Herpetological Research 3: 1-36.
External links
- Vipera kaznakovi at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 2 September 2007.