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Vipera monticola

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Taxonomy [top]

Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family
ANIMALIA CHORDATA REPTILIA SQUAMATA VIPERIDAE

Scientific Name: Vipera monticola
Species Authority: Saint-Girons, 1954
Common Name/s:
English – Atlas Dwarf Viper
French – Vipere De L'Atlas
Taxonomic Notes: This is considered a valid species (Beerli et al. 1986).

Assessment Information [top]

Red List Category & Criteria: Near Threatened ver 3.1
Year Published: 2006
Assessor/s: Miras, J.A.M., Joger, U., Pleguezuelos, J., Slimani, T. & El Mouden, H.
Reviewer/s: Stuart, S.N. & Cox, N. (Global Reptile Assessment)
Contributor/s:
Justification:
Listed as Near Threatened because its extent of occurrence is probably not much greater than 20,000 km², and the extent and quality of its habitat are probably declining, thus making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable.

Geographic Range [top]

Range Description: This relictual species is endemic to the High and Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco where is restricted to a few mountain valleys. It is found at elevations of between 1,200 to 4,000 m asl.
Countries:
Native:
Morocco
Range Map: Click here to open the map viewer and explore range.

Population [top]

Population: It is thought to be a rare species.
Population Trend: Decreasing

Habitat and Ecology [top]

Habitat and Ecology: It inhabits semi-humid montane areas, and can be found in screes, and areas with stones and cushion-like thorny plants.
Systems: Terrestrial

Threats [top]

Major Threat(s): Habitat destruction resulting from removal of firewood is a major threat to this species.

Conservation Actions [top]

Conservation Actions: It has been recorded from the Parc National de Toubkal, Morocco.
Citation: Miras, J.A.M., Joger, U., Pleguezuelos, J., Slimani, T. & El Mouden, H. 2006. Vipera monticola. In: IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 20 June 2013.
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