Biology
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The Cyclades blunt-nosed viper is nocturnal from early summer until mid-September (2), and more diurnal during the rest of the year (4). Lizards and birds have been recorded in the diet in the wild, with juveniles feeding just on lizards and adults more on birds (2). These snakes also eat mice and insects in captivity, but no wild rodents are found in the western Cyclades (Milos, Kimolos, Polyaigos) (4). Although predominantly ground-dwelling, this snake will climb trees to ambush birds. Hunting takes place near water pools during spring and in trees during autumn, following the migratory cycle and changing habitats used by the birds throughout the year (2).
The female reproductive cycle is biennial, with mating activity seemingly concentrated around mid-May, although it may extend to mid-August (2). The species is oviparous (2), with approximately 10 to 12 eggs being laid per clutch in captivity (4). Little else is known about the behavioural ecology of this snake in the wild.
Conservation
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The Regional Development Agency of Cyclades is implementing a project called 'Protection and Promotion of the Habitats and Species of the Milos Island Natura 2000 Area', focussing on three main actions. Firstly, monitoring of the region's habitats and species, including this viper, are to be ongoing. Secondly, efforts will be made to raise public awareness of the threats that face Milos' flora and fauna, including promoting Milos Island as a destination of great ecological and ecotourism value (6). Not only could the dissemination of information help reduce intentional killing of the snake, but it could also help instil a sense of pride in the local fauna and encourage local inhabitants to support the police in their struggle against snake hunters (2). Finally, roads will be made safer for crossing vipers through the construction of barriers and underground passages. The Standing Committee of the Bern Convention has also recommended that there is stronger and stricter police control of illegal trade in the species (6). Further conservation actions advocated include the establishment of protected areas with optimal habitats and connective corridors, and the eradication of feral cats if studies verify the threat they pose to young snakes (2). A captive breeding programme has been started in collaboration with Jersey Zoo, and a similar programme has been proposed for Budapest Zoo and Botanical Gardens (3), which will provide an important buffer against extinction and offer potential for future reintroductions into the wild.
Description
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The Cyclades blunt-nosed viper is a venomous snake found only on four small islands off the coast of Greece (3). Body colouration ranges from a pale, ivory white through ochre colours to a dark grey, and the skin is patterned by transverse rows of blotchy dark stripes (4). This snake belongs to the large true vipers of the Viperidae family (3), and occasionally reaches lengths of up to 90 to 110 cm (4). Snakes of the Viperidae family typically have broad triangular-shaped heads and heavy bodies (5). They also have long hinged fangs through which they inject venom into their victims (5); the venom of the Cyclades blunt-nosed viper is very potent and dangerous (4).
Habitat
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Prefers regions of dry, stony or rocky terrain, often on valley slopes, with small and large bushes, drained river valleys and brooks (2) (4).
Range
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Endemic to the islands of Milos, Kimolos, Polyaigos (Polinos) and Siphnos in the western Cyclades off the coast of Greece (2) (6). More than half of the species' total population is found on western Milos (6).
Status
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Classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List 2006 (1).
Threats
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The Cyclades blunt-nosed viper has become seriously threatened as a result of habitat destruction, road mortality and removal by man. Two big quarries are in continuous operation on western Milos, which have considerably increased in size over the last 15 years and destroyed large areas of pristine habitat. Additionally, there are plans for more quarries on western Milos, which pose an extremely significant threat to this critically endangered species. Fires also cause habitat destruction, destroying the large bushes and trees in which the main prey, birds, are found. During the period of 'reforestation' after a fire, goat and sheep grazing can be highly destructive, preventing trees and large bushes from growing. At present, tourism does not threaten the snake's habitat, but a new airport planned for Milos may increase tourism to a level that is damaging to viper habitats. The other islands appear to provide fairly pristine, untouched habitat, and the populations there are healthy, although a little smaller than on Milos (2).
Road kill also poses a very serious problem, with an estimated 300+ snakes killed each summer on western Milos. Recent years have also seen an increase in collection of the snake for the pet trade, and an established population of feral cats are also a possible danger to the snake on western Milos, particularly to the survival of newborns and subadults (2).
Distribution
provided by ReptileDB
Continent: Europe
Distribution: Greece (Milos, Syphnos, Kimolos, Polynos)
Type locality: Insel Milos, Greece
Macrovipera lebetinus schweizeri
provided by wikipedia EN
Macrovipera lebetinus schweizeri, commonly known as the Milos viper or Cyclades blunt-nosed viper.[3] [4] is a subspecies of venomous snake in the family Viperidae. The subspecies is endemic to the Cyclades Archipelago of Greece in the Aegean sea.[2][5][6]
Etymology
The subspecific name, schweizeri, is in honor of Swiss herpetologist Hans Schweizer (1891–1975).[7]
Description
Macrovipera lebetinus 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).[3]
Geographic range
Macrovipera lebetinus schweizeri is found on the Greek islands of the Cyclades Archipelago in the Aegean Sea: Milos and the three smaller, adjacent islands of Siphnos, Kimolos and Poliaigos.[2][1][3] The type locality is given as "Insel Milos ".[1][5]
Conservation status
This sublebetinus species, M. l. 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).[2] 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.[2]
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: 2009.[2]
It is also listed as strictly protected (Appendix II) under the Berne Convention.[8]
Venom
It is narrated by G.A. Boulenger in his book The Snakes of Europe that "Dr. de Bedriaga observed this much dreaded snake, the bite of which is probably as bad as that of its Indian ally, the Daboia, Vipera russelli ". It is probable that the snake he assumed was Macrovipera lebetina is in fact the Milos Viper.
References
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^ a b c McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré TA (1999). Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, Volume 1. Washington, District of Columbia: Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
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^ a b c d e f Wolfgang Böhme, Petros Lymberakis, Claes Andrén (2009). "Macrovipera schweizeri". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2009: e.T12654A3369754. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2009.RLTS.T12654A3369754.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) -
^ a b c Mallow D, Ludwig D, Nilson G (2003). True Vipers: Natural History and Toxinology of Old World Vipers. Malabar, Florida: Krieger Publishing Company. 359 pp. ISBN 0-89464-877-2.
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^ Steward JW (1971). The Snakes of Europe. Cranbury, New Jersey: Associated University Press (Fairleigh Dickinson University Press). 238 pp. LCCCN 77-163307. ISBN 0-8386-1023-4.
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^ a b Macrovipera schweizeri at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 29 July 2020.
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^ "Macrovipera schweizeri". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
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^ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Macrovipera schweizeri, p. 239).
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^ Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, Appendix II at Council of Europe. Accessed 9 October 2006.
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Macrovipera lebetinus schweizeri: Brief Summary
provided by wikipedia EN
Macrovipera lebetinus schweizeri, commonly known as the Milos viper or Cyclades blunt-nosed viper. is a subspecies of venomous snake in the family Viperidae. The subspecies is endemic to the Cyclades Archipelago of Greece in the Aegean sea.
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