Ottoman Viper
Montivipera xanthina
A large, heavy-bodied mountain viper of Anatolia and the Aegean region.
- Adult length
- 0.7-1.3 m (2.3-4.3 ft)
- Range
- Anatolia, the Aegean islands, and parts of the Balkans and Middle East
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Overview
The Ottoman Viper, also known as the Near East Viper, is a large viper found across Anatolia, many Aegean islands, and parts of the southeastern Balkans and Middle East. It belongs to the mountain viper genus Montivipera.
It is relatively large for a viper, and encounters with humans are limited by its preference for remote, rocky terrain.
How to identify it
- Large, heavy body compared to most European vipers, with strongly keeled scales
- Background color pale gray, tan, or beige with large dark brown or gray blotches along the back
- Broad, distinctly triangular head, clearly set off from the neck
- Vertical elliptical pupils
- Adults typically 0.7-1.3 m, among the largest Old World vipers in its region
Habitat & range
Found in rocky hillsides, scrubland, and stony slopes across Anatolia, numerous Aegean islands, and parts of the southeastern Balkans and Levant, typically at low to moderate elevations.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily crepuscular and nocturnal in warm weather, more diurnal in cooler seasons. Feeds on small mammals and birds, ambushing prey from concealment. Reproduction is viviparous, with females giving birth to litters of several young.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Ottoman Viper found?
Across Anatolia, many Aegean islands, and parts of the southeastern Balkans and Middle East.
How big does the Ottoman Viper get?
Adults typically reach 0.7-1.3 m (2.3-4.3 ft), among the larger Old World vipers in the region.
Ottoman Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Ottoman Viper.
