Milos Viper
Macrovipera schweizeri
A rare, island-endemic viper found only on Milos and a few nearby Cycladic islands in Greece, notable for its restricted range and conservation concern.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-0.9 m (2-3 ft)
- Range
- Milos and neighboring islands, Cyclades, Greece
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Overview
The Milos viper is a small viperid found exclusively on a handful of Aegean islands, making it one of the most geographically restricted vipers in Europe. It is considered a close relative of the larger blunt-nosed vipers of the eastern Mediterranean.
It is venomous and its bite is medically significant, but its extremely limited range and habitat pressures make encounters with humans infrequent; the species is of greater conservation concern than public health concern.
How to identify it
- Grayish, tan, or reddish-brown ground color with a series of dark brown or black blotches down the back
- Stout body with a distinctly triangular, blunt-tipped head
- Rough, strongly keeled dorsal scales
- Vertically elliptical pupils typical of vipers
- Adults usually 60-90 cm in length
Its isolated island distribution is the most reliable identifying feature, as no other viper species occurs on Milos.
Habitat & range
Found on rocky hillsides, stone walls, terraced agricultural land, and scrubby maquis vegetation on Milos, Kimolos, Polyaigos, and a few adjacent islets in the Cyclades archipelago of Greece. Occurs from near sea level up into rocky hill terrain.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Active mainly at dusk and night during warmer months, sheltering under rocks and in stone walls by day. Feeds primarily on lizards as a juvenile, shifting toward small mammals and birds as an adult. It is ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young rather than laying eggs, typically producing small litters.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Milos viper dangerous?
It is venomous and its bite can be medically significant, but it is shy and encounters are rare due to its tiny range.
Where is the Milos viper found?
Only on the Greek island of Milos and a few nearby small islands in the Cyclades.
Is the Milos viper endangered?
Yes, it is considered threatened due to its extremely restricted island distribution and habitat pressures.
Does the Milos viper lay eggs?
No, like most vipers it gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
Milos Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Milos Viper.
