VIPERA (PITLESS VIPER)

Contents hide

1) Introduction

2) Classification of Vipera (Pitless Viper)

3) Geographical distribution

4) Habit and habitat

5) General Characteristics of Vipera (Pitless Viper)

6) Ecological Importance

7) Conservation Status

8) Special features

9) Identification

Introduction

The genus Vipera, commonly referred to as pitless vipers or true vipers, includes venomous snakes predominantly found in Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Unlike pit vipers, Vipera species lack heat-sensing pit organs but possess keen vision and smell to detect prey. These snakes are highly adaptable, thriving in environments ranging from forests and grasslands to mountainous terrains. Known for their zigzag dorsal patterns, pitless vipers are key ecological players in their habitats.

Classification of Vipera (Pitless Viper)

Phylum :- Chordata (Dorsal tubular nerve cord, notochord and gill-slits present.)
Group :- Craniata (Definite head, Cranium with brain present.)
Sub phylum :- Vertebrata (Vertebral column present.)
Division :- Gnathostomata (Jaws and paired appendages present.)
Super Class :- Tetrapoda (Paired limbs, lungs, cornified skin and bony skeleton.)
Class :- Reptilia (Scaly vertebrates. Right and left aortic arches present. Single condyle. Pulmonary respiration. Embryo with amnion and allantois.)
Sub Class :- Diapsida (Skull with two temporal openings separated by post-orbital and squamosal.)
Order :- Squamata (Lizards and snakes with horny epidermal scales or shields. Quadrate bone movable. Vertebrae procoelous. Anal opening transverse.. Vertebrae amphicentrous.)
Sub-order :- Ophidia (Snakes. Limbs, feet, ear openings sternum and urinary bladder absent. Mandibles jointed anteriorly by ligament. Tongue slender, bifid and protrusible. Left lung reduced.)
Family :- Viperidae (Paired erectile fangs in front of upper jaw.)
Genus :- Vipera

Geographical distribution

Vipers are Old World snakes except Madagascar. Viper has been reported from Europe, Asia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and India.

Habit and habitat

It is found in rocky and bushy regions. It feeds on mice, rats, lizards and birds.

General Characteristics of Vipera (Pitless Viper)

It is a common highly poisnous snake. Body divided into head, neck, trunk and tail.
Body measures 2 meters in length. Head large, flat, triangular and covered with small scales. Shields on undersurface of the tail are subdivided. Head contains, mouth, bifid tongue. nostril and eyes without eye lids.
Colour is brownish but it varies according to its environment. Body is covered with keeled scales.
Large black spots arranged on the back. Head and body separated by constriction of neck.
Facial bones movable, maxilla is small and contains long and movable poison fangs with canals.
Paired erectile fangs in front of upper jaw, one on each maxillary bone and folded backward when not in use (solenoglypha).
Maxillaries short, thick and movable in vertical plane.
No pit between nostril and eye.
Supra-labials are 10 to 12. 4th supralabial is largest and it does not reach up to eye. Ventral plates large.
Snout is angulate, nasal opening prominent and largest and eyes have white margin with golden iris and elliptical pupil. Tail narrow.

Ecological Importance

Rodent Population Control:
- Pitless vipers prey on small mammals, primarily rodents, reducing their numbers and minimizing crop damage and the spread of diseases.
Food Web Role:
- Serving as both predator and prey, they balance trophic interactions by feeding on small animals and being preyed upon by birds of prey, larger snakes, and mammals.
Biodiversity Support:
- Their presence indicates a healthy, functioning ecosystem, as they depend on stable habitats and abundant prey.
Habitat Impact:
- By predating on burrowing animals, Vipera species indirectly influence soil aeration and vegetation dynamics.

Conservation Status

Global Status: Conservation statuses vary among species. For example:
- Common adder (Vipera berus): Listed as Least Concern.
- Orsini’s viper (Vipera ursinii): Classified as Endangered
Major Threats:
- Habitat loss due to agriculture, urbanization, and deforestation.
- Climate change affecting their temperature-dependent life cycles.
- Persecution due to fear and misconceptions.
Conservation Efforts:
- Legal protection in several regions to prevent hunting and habitat destruction.
- Education programs to reduce fear-based killings.
- Monitoring of vulnerable populations to assess threats and effectiveness of conservation measures

Special features

The snake remains coiled with the head in the centre of the coil and with least provocation or disturbance, tongue is protruded, body rhythmically swells and hissing sound is produced. Its bite is fierce and it strikes to one side with a sudden and forceful spring. Before striking it hisses loudly. Its bite is fatal to man. Its native name is Sus-Kama symbolizing its powerful hissing.
Venom Mechanism: Equipped with long, hinged fangs that inject hemotoxic venom, which immobilizes prey and aids in digestion.
Lack of Pit Organs: Unlike pit vipers, Vipera species rely on sharp vision and olfactory senses rather than heat-sensitive pits to locate prey.
Camouflage: Their zigzag dorsal patterns provide effective camouflage in their natural habitats, protecting them from predators and aiding in hunting.
Cold Adaptation: Many species, such as the common adder, are adapted to cooler climates, capable of surviving at higher altitudes and latitudes.
Reproductive Traits: Viviparous reproduction (giving birth to live young) enhances survival in temperate and cold regions.