Cyclades Blunt-Nosed Viper
Macrovipera schweizeri
A critically endangered island viper found only on Milos and a few neighboring Cycladic islands in the Aegean Sea.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-1.0 m (2-3.3 ft)
- Range
- Milos and nearby islands in the Cyclades, Greece
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Overview
The Cyclades Blunt-Nosed Viper is endemic to a tiny cluster of Aegean islands centered on Milos, making it one of the most range-restricted vipers in Europe. It descended from mainland blunt-nosed viper ancestors isolated by rising sea levels.
Habitat loss, persecution, and illegal collection have placed the species under serious threat, and it receives strict legal protection in Greece.
How to identify it
- Grayish, brownish, or reddish base color with a series of dark, often zigzag or blotched dorsal markings
- Broad head distinct from the neck, though snout is relatively blunt (not upturned)
- Vertical pupils
- Smaller and more lightly built than mainland blunt-nosed vipers
- Endemic island range aids identification alongside pattern details
Habitat & range
Restricted to rocky, scrub-covered terrain, stone walls, and terraced agricultural land on Milos and a few adjacent small islands in the Cyclades.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Active mainly at dusk and night in warmer months, more diurnal in cooler periods. Feeds on lizards, birds, and small mammals. Lays eggs. Population size is small and closely monitored for conservation.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Cyclades Blunt-Nosed Viper found?
Only on Milos and a few small neighboring islands in the Cyclades, Greece.
Is the Cyclades Blunt-Nosed Viper endangered?
Yes, it is considered critically endangered due to its extremely limited range.
Is it venomous?
Yes, it is a venomous viper species.
What does it eat?
Lizards, birds, and small mammals.
Cyclades Blunt-Nosed Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Cyclades Blunt-Nosed Viper.
