Moorish viper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Moorish viper |
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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: | Daboia |
| Species: |
D. mauritanica
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| Binomial name | |
| Daboia mauritanica |
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| Synonyms | |
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The Moorish viper (scientific names: Daboia mauritanica or Macrovipera mauritanica) is a type of venomous viper found in northwestern Africa. It's also known by other names like the Sahara rock viper or Atlas blunt-nosed viper. This snake is a single species, meaning there are no different types or subspecies recognized.
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About the Moorish Viper
The Moorish viper can grow quite long. It can reach a maximum length of about 180 centimeters (which is about 6 feet).
Other Names for the Moorish Viper
This snake has several common names. People sometimes call it the Moorish viper, Sahara rock viper, Atlas blunt-nosed viper, Atlas adder, or mountain adder.
Where the Moorish Viper Lives
The Moorish viper lives in northwestern Africa. You can find it in countries like Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. It mainly lives in the coastal areas of Algeria. Some records from Tunisia might actually be about a similar snake called M. deserti.
Protecting the Moorish Viper
The Moorish viper is listed as "Near Threatened" by the IUCN Red List. This means it's not in immediate danger, but its numbers are decreasing. The population is going down because of things like people hunting them, accidental deaths, and too many being caught. Because of this decline, it's close to being classified as "Vulnerable." This assessment was made in 2005.
Images for kids
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An old drawing of a Moorish viper.
 | Emma Amos |
 | Edward Mitchell Bannister |
 | Larry D. Alexander |
 | Ernie Barnes |
