Moorish viper facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Moorish viper
Conservation status
Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Daboia
Species:	mauritanica
Synonyms
Echidna mauritanica - Duméril & Bibron, 1848 Clotho ? mauritanica - Gray, 1849 Vipera minuta - Eichwald, 1851 Bitis mauritanica - Günther, 1858 Vipera confluenta - Cope, 1863 Vipera mauritanica - Strauch, 1869 Vipera euphratica var. mauritanica - Boettger, 1883 Vipera lebetina - Boulenger, 1896 Vipera lebetina mauritanica - Schwartz, 1936 Daboia (Daboia) lebetina mauritanica - Obst, 1983 Macrovipera mauritanica - Herrmann, Joger & Nilson, 1992

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.

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.