Macrovipera schweizeri
Cyclades Viper ( Macrovipera Swiss )
The Cyclades Viper ( Macrovipera Swiss ), also known as Milosotter, is an Aegean Viper from the kind of large-scale vipers ( Macrovipera ).
Etymology
The term " Cycladic Viper " indicates the distribution area of the Cyclades. The scientific species name " Swiss " wears the snake in honor of Hans Schweizer (1891-1975), who explored the natural habitat, and in 1938 discovered that it is oviparous.
Description
The Cyclades Viper reaches a total length of 60 to 75 cm, maximum 100 cm. Your body is a little stocky. The triangular shaped head that sets it apart from the neck and has pronounced snout edges. The head scales are small and keeled, even the larger body scales are keeled. The basic color is light gray on the back and flanks to draw 30-40 dark horizontal stripes as well as individual, minor stains. The head is poorly drawn. Rarely occur monochrome dark gray, orange, reddish, brownish or melanistic specimens.
Snake venom
As the Cyclades Viper Viper has poison glands and fangs retractable tube. Their venom is composed of blood coagulation promoters and Hämorrhaginen. Although one type of the most poisonous snakes in Greece, but run bites apparently not fatal. Due to the rarity of the Viper, it also comes hard to bite accidents. Nevertheless, their bites have to be taken very seriously. Effects of a poison bite can be problems pain, partly intense swelling, lymphangitis, necrosis as well as hypotension, tachycardia, internal bleeding and gastrointestinal ( digestive ) tract. There is a risk of a shock. Is treated with a polyvalent antivenin.
Way of life
During the cooler spring Cyclades Viper is active during the day, in the summer of crepuscular and nocturnal. It eats mainly birds, especially songbirds, and small lizards and even invertebrates such as beetles, but captured and imported rodents. Their prey it catches as Lauer Hunter at water holes or is climbing birds at roost in the branches of bushes and trees after. The Hibernation is short. The species propagates through oviparity ( oviparous ) females have a two-year cycle. Courtship and mating take place between late April and late May, especially near water. The clutch consists of up to 11 eggs and is laid in July. The eggs are 35-54 mm long and 20-26 mm wide. Their breeding period is short, the young snakes measured at hatching 16 to 22 cm.
Occurrence
The Cyclades Viper is endemic to the Western Cyclades in the Aegean Sea. It comes on the islands of Milos, Sifnos, Kimolos, Polyegos and some of its smaller islands at altitudes of up to 350 m. above sea front. Their habitat are barren, rocky areas with shrubby vegetation, usually near water. Also agricultural areas are inhabited. Seeks refuge under the type roots, between rocks and in masonry.
System
The Cyclades Viper was first in 1935 by the Austrian herpetologists Franz Werner as a subspecies of the Levant viper ( Macrovipera lebetina ) described and long recognized as such. The classification of Macrovipera Swiss in the subspecies Macrovipera Swiss Swiss and Swiss Macrovipera siphnensis is up for discussion, but is currently still questionable as far genetic studies are lacking.
- See also: Nomenclature of major vipers
Threats and conservation
The Cyclades Viper is one of the most endangered European species of snakes. Main threat is habitat loss as a result of tourism and mining of mineral ores, but also by livestock and wild fires. Up to 10% loss due to snake smugglers and, especially in the summer, on the road. Up to 1500 specimens of this species were caught illegally every year, due to loss of value there are currently still good 100 The wildlife population is currently estimated at 2,000 to 3,000 animals. Primary focus in protecting this type is the habitat protection. Target are large protected areas and the control of tourism in compliance with nature conservation. Special snake tunnel beneath the streets have proved to be useful. Macrovipera Swiss is in Appendix II of the Bern Convention. The World Conservation Union ( IUCN) lists the species since 2006 as "endangered ", that is at risk, but the stock currently designated as stable.