Montivipera raddei

There is 2 subspecies : raddei raddei and raddei kurdistanica

this is a medium sized vipers with a length of 60-80cm (rarely 100cm)

Distribution :

Habitat :

(Source: Internet)

Diet :

Small mammals, lizards and birds. The young can feed insects.

Reproduction :

Viviparous/Berus type.  The mating occurs here around the middle of may after the first shed. The period of gestation is about 3,5 months. The female give birth to 3-9 young.

Hibernation :

Between  october to end march or april.

Conservation and threats (IUCN Red list):

It is protected in the Khosrov Reserve in Armenia. It was included into the Red Data Books of the USSR (1984) and Armenia (1987) as a narrow-endemic species. This species is found in Egridagi National Park in Turkey. There is a need to effectively regulate the collection of this species and monitor populations.

In Turkey, this species overcollected for the pet trade, most particularly in the Aras River Valley. This species is particularly vulnerable to overexploitation because of its congregatory habits which make it easy to collect. Like all snakes and particularly vipers, this species is subject to local persecution. This species is also threatened by general development and overgrazing of its habitat.