Macrovipera schweizeri is a species of venomous snake in the family Viperidae. The species is endemic to the Cyclades Archipelago in the Aegean sea. No subspecies are currently recognized.
The specific name, schweizeri, is in honor of Swiss herpetologist Hans Schweizer (1891–1975).
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
Oviparous animals are female animals that lay their eggs, with little or no other embryonic development within the mother. This is the reproductive...
Precocial species are those in which the young are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching. Precocial species are normall...
Venom is a type of poison, especially one secreted by an animal. It is delivered in a bite, sting, or similar action. Venom has evolved in terrestr...
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starts withMacrovipera 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).
Macrovipera 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. The type locality is given as "Insel Milos ".
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.
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: 2009.
It is also listed as strictly protected (Appendix II) under the Berne Convention.
