Mixcoatlus barbouri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mixcoatlus barbouri |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Genus: | Mixcoatlus |
| Species: |
M. barbouri
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| Binomial name | |
| Mixcoatlus barbouri (Dunn, 1919)
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| Synonyms | |
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The Barbour's montane pitviper (scientific name: Mixcoatlus barbouri) is a special kind of venomous pit viper. It is found only in Mexico. This means it is endemic to that country. People also call it Barbour's pit viper.
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About the Name: Mixcoatlus barbouri
The scientific name for this snake, barbouri, honors an American expert on reptiles. His name was Thomas Barbour. He was a famous herpetologist.
What Does It Look Like?
Adult Barbour's montane pitvipers are usually about 30 to 40 centimeters (11¾ to 15¾ inches) long. This measurement includes their tail. The longest one ever found was 51 centimeters (20 inches) long.
This snake is quite sturdy. It has a dark, almost black, body color. You might see a faint zig-zag pattern on its back. This pattern goes down its sides. It looks like a series of small triangles. The skin between its scales is a rusty color. The sides of its head are also rust-colored.
Where Does It Live?
The Barbour's montane pitviper lives in the highlands of Mexico. You can find it in the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains. This area is in the state of Guerrero.
The first place this snake was officially found was "Omilteme, Guerrero, Mexico".
Its Home Environment
This pitviper likes to live in mountain areas. It prefers places about 2,740 meters (9,000 feet) high. Its home is often in pine forests that have lots of rocks. It also likes open areas, called clearings, where you can find bunch grass.
Why Is It Endangered?
The Barbour's montane pitviper is listed as an Endangered (EN) species. This means it faces a very high risk of disappearing forever. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species keeps track of animals like this.
Scientists believe its home area is getting smaller. There might be less than 5,000 square kilometers (1,930 square miles) left for it. Also, the snake's population is split into small groups. There might be only five or fewer places where it still lives. The quality of its habitat is getting worse. This is why its numbers are going down.
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