Montivipera latifii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Montivipera latifii |
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Montivipera
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latifii
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The Montivipera latifii, also called Latifi's viper, is a type of venomous snake. It belongs to the Viperidae family, which includes many well-known vipers. This snake is found only in Iran, meaning it is endemic to that country.
Latifi's viper is known by a few names. People also call it the Iranian valley viper or the Lar Valley viper. There are no different types or subspecies of this snake that scientists currently recognize.
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What's in a Name?
The scientific name for this snake, latifii, honors a special person. It was named after an Iranian herpetologist (a scientist who studies reptiles and amphibians) named Mahmoud Latifi. He was the one who first collected the snake that became the main example, or holotype, for this species.
How Big Are They?
Latifi's vipers are not extremely large snakes. Adult male vipers can grow up to about 78 cm (31 in) long. This measurement includes their tail. Female vipers are usually a bit smaller. They can reach a total length of about 70 cm (28 in).
Where Do They Live?
Montivipera latifii lives in a specific part of Iran. You can find these snakes in the upper Lar Valley. This valley is located within the Alborz Mountains.
The exact place where this snake was first found is called the "High valley of the Lar." This area is between 2,180 and 2,900 meters (7,150–9,500 ft) above sea level. It is southwest of Demavend Peak, which is also in the Elburz Mountains, northwest of Tehran.
Why Are They Endangered?
Latifi's viper is listed as an Endangered species by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This means the snake is at a very high risk of becoming extinct in the wild. This assessment was made in 1996.
There are several reasons why this snake is in danger. Its habitat, the area where it lives, is shrinking and becoming less suitable. Also, the total number of these snakes is getting smaller. Their population is broken up into small, separate groups, with no more than ten known locations where they exist.
Their Home Environment
Latifi's vipers prefer to live in rocky places. They are found at high altitudes, between 2,180 and 2,900 meters (7,150–9,500 ft). These rocky habitats provide them with places to hide and hunt.
