Bitis inornata

Bitis inornata
Original illustration from A. Smith, 1838.
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Viperidae
Subfamily: Viperinae
Genus: Bitis
Species: B. inornata
Binomial name
Bitis inornata
(A. Smith, 1838)
Synonyms
  • Echidna inornata A. Smith, 1838
  • Clotho ? inornata — Gray, 1849
  • Vipera inornata — Strauch, 1869
  • Bitis inornata — Boulenger, 1896
  • Bitis cornuta inornata
    — Underwood, 1968
  • B[itis]. inornata — Branch, 1991[1]
Common names: plain mountain adder, hornless adder.[2][3] Cape puff adder.[4]

Bitis inornata is a venomous viper species found only in Cape Province, South Africa.[1] No subspecies are currently recognized.[5]

Description

Adults average 25–40 cm (about 10-16 inches) in total length, with a maximum recorded total length of 45 cm (18 in).[2]

Geographic range

An isolated population exists on the Sneeuberg, eastern Cape Province, South Africa.[1]

The type locality is listed as "Sneeuwbergen, or Snow Mountains, ... immediately behind the village of Graaff Raynet" (Eastern Cape Province, South Africa).[1]

Spawls and Branch (1995) described it as known only from two isolated populations in southern Cape Province in South Africa: the first in the east, limited to the montane grassland of the Sneeuberge, from north of Graaff-Reinet to Cradock. A second population was discovered relatively recently on the upper slopes of the Cederberg in the west.[3]

Conservation status

This species is classified as vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List for the following criteria: A2cd, B1+2ab.[6] This means a population reduction of at least 20% is projected or suspected to be met within the next ten years or three generations, whichever is the longer, due to a decline in the area of occupancy, extent of occurrence and/or quality of habitat, or due to actual or potential levels of exploitation. Also, the extent of occurrence is estimated to cover less than 100 km², or the area of occupancy is estimated to be less than 10 km², and the population is severely fragmented or known to exist at only a single location. Finally, a continuing decline has been observed, inferred or projected, in the area of occupancy (year assessed: 1996).[7]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, Volume 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
  2. 1 2 Mallow D, Ludwig D, Nilson G. 2003. True Vipers: Natural History and Toxinology of Old World Vipers. Malabar, Florida: Krieger Publishing Company. 359 pp. ISBN 0-89464-877-2.
  3. 1 2 Spawls S, Branch B. 1995. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Ralph Curtis Books. Dubai: Oriental Press. 192 pp. ISBN 0-88359-029-8.
  4. ↑ Brown JH. 1973. Toxicology and Pharmacology of Venoms from Poisonous Snakes. Springfield, Illinois: Charles C. Thomas. 184 pp. LCCCN 73-229. ISBN 0-398-02808-7.
  5. ↑ "Bitis inornata". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 26 July 2006.
  6. ↑ Bitis inornata at the IUCN Red List. Accessed 2 September 2007.
  7. ↑ 1994 Categories & Criteria (version 2.3) at the IUCN Red List. Accessed 2 September 2007.

Further reading

External links

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