Montivipera latifii, known as Latifi's viper,[4] the Iranian valley viper,[5] or the Lar Valley viper,[6] is a species of venomous snake in the subfamily Viperinae of the family Viperidae. The species is endemic to Iran. There are no subspecies that are recognized as being valid.[6]
| Montivipera latifii | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Genus: | Montivipera |
| Species: | M. latifii |
| Binomial name | |
| Montivipera latifii | |
 | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
Etymology
The specific name, latifii, is in honor of Iranian herpetologist Mahmoud Latifi,[7] who collected the holotype.[2]
Description
For adult males of M. latifii, the maximum total length (including tail) is 78 cm (31 in); for females, 70 cm (28 in).[4]
Geographic range
Montivipera latifii 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 Shalhenballs, Iran" [High valley of the Lar (7,150–9,500 ft), southwest of Demavend Peak in the Elburz Mountains, northwest of Tehran, Iran].[3]
Conservation status
The species M. latifii is classified Endangered (En) according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species with the following criteria: B1+2c (v2.3, 1994).[8] This indicates that the extent of occurrence is estimated to be less than 20,000 km2 (7,722 square miles), or the area of occupancy is estimated to be less than 2,000 km2 (772 sq mi). 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.[9]
Habitat
Montivipera latifii is found in rocky habitats at 2180–2900 m (7,150-9,500 ft) altitude .[3]
References
Further reading
External links
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