Albany adder
The Albany adder (Bitis albanica) is a viper species. It was previously considered a subspecies of Bitis cornuta.[4][3] Its range is restricted to eastern and southern Cape Province in South Africa.[5] Like all vipers, it is venomous.
| Albany adder | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Genus: | Bitis |
| Species: | B. albanica |
| Binomial name | |
| Bitis albanica | |
| Synonyms | |
It is extremely rare, and had been thought potentially extinct until four live specimens and one road kill were found in late 2016 or early 2017.[6] Only 12 individuals have been identified since the species was discovered in 1937.[6]
Description
This subspecies does not have the "horns" that are characteristic of the nominate race, B. c. cornuta, although it does have prominent bumps over the eyes. The coloration is brown to reddish brown, and they may also lack the distinctive pattern of the typical form.[7]
This is a small adder. Maximum recorded snout to vent length (SVL) for males is 27 cm (11 in); maximum recorded SVL for females is 22.5 cm (8.9 in).[8]
Taxonomy
Branch (1999) elevated B. c. albanica to species level: Bitis albanica.[3]
It is commonly known as the Albany adder,[9] eastern hornsman adder, or eastern many-horned adder.[5]
Distribution and habitat
It is found in Eastern and southern Cape Province in South Africa.[5]
The type locality is listed as "The Dene (Port Elizabeth), Addo, and from dry scrub districts near Grahamstown such as Brak Kloof, farm Springvale, and Kleinpoort near Committees ... Eastern Cape Province, South Africa."[2]
References
- Maritz, B., Branch, W.R. & Turner, A.A. 2018. Bitis albanica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22473767A115666359. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22473767A115666359.en. Downloaded on 20 December 2018.
- 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).
- Viperidae - Viperinae - 1999 Publications Archived 2006-09-04 at the Wayback Machine at Wolfgang Wüster homepage Archived August 10, 2006, at the Wayback Machine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Wales, Bangor. Accessed 28 August 2006.
- "Bitis cornuta albanica". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 25 July 2006.
- 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.
- Bittel, Jason (12 May 2017). "'Extinct' Venomous Snake Rediscovered". National Geographic. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
- Spawls S, Branch B. 1995. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Ralph Curtis Books. Dubai: Oriental Press. 192 pp. ISBN 0-88359-029-8.
- Branch, Bill. 2004. Field Guide to the Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Third Revised edition, Second impression. Sanibel Island, Florida: Ralph Curtis Books. 399 pp. ISBN 0-88359-042-5. (Bitis albanica, p. 118 + Plate 99.)
- Bitis albanica at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 2 August 2007.
Further reading
- Branch WR. 1999. Dwarf adders of the Bitis cornuta-inornata complex (Serpentes: Viperidae) in Southern Africa. Kaupia (Darmstadt) (8): 39-63.
- Hewitt J. 1937. A Guide to the Vertebrate Fauna of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, Part II: Reptiles, Amphibians, and Freshwater Fishes. Grahamstown, South Africa: Albany Museum. vii + 141 pp. (Bitis cornuta albanica, p. 76.)