Vipera kaznakovi
| Vipera kaznakovi | |
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Subfamily: | Viperinae |
| Genus: | Vipera |
| Species: | V. kaznakovi |
| Binomial name | |
|
Vipera kaznakovi Nikolsky, 1909 |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
Vipera kaznakovi is a venomous viper species endemic to Turkey, Georgia and Russia. No subspecies are currently recognized.
The specific name, kaznakovi, is in honor of Russian naturalist Aleksandr Nikolaevich Kaznakov.
V. kaznakovi is a stoutly built species, of which the males are usually shorter and more slender than the females. Adults may reach a maximum total length (body + tail) of 65 to 70 cm (26 to 28 in), but are usually less. Orlov and Tuniyev examined 39 specimens. Of the 23 males examined, the largest measured 47.5 cm (18.7 in) total length; while of the 16 females, the largest was 60 cm (24 in) total length.
Caucasus viper, Kaznakow's viper, Kaznakov's viper. Caucasus adder.
It is found in northeastern Turkey, Georgia, and Russia (eastern Black Sea coast).
The type locality is "Tsebel'da, Sukhumi District," according to the English translation of Nikolsky (1909). Orlov and Tuniyev (1990) interpret this as "Tsebelda, the vicinity of Sukhumi [on the east coast of the Black Sea], Abkhazia, the Caucasus [Georgia]".
This species inhabits the forested slopes of mountains, the beds of wet ravines and post-forested clearings. It has been recorded from azalea and scumpea-Cornelian cherry groves; mixed-subtropical forests with an evergreen underwood; chestnut groves; beech, willow, and alder woods; and from polydominant forests near river terraces and on large growing-over scree. At the upper limit of its altitudinal distribution this snake reaches the coniferous forests zone, but is not found deep in this forest type. It has been recorded from the ecotone of beech-fir forest and motley grass. Animals may also be found in areas of tea cultivation (Baran and Atatur, 1998).
...
Wikipedia