Palestine Viper

The Palestine Viper is a viper of the genus Daboia found across the Levant, including Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and parts of southwestern Turkey. It is closely related to the Russell's Vipers of South Asia.

It is considered the most medically important venomous snake within its regional range due to its relatively common occurrence near agricultural and semi-urban areas and the potency of its venom.

• Heavy-bodied with strongly keeled scales giving a rough texture
• Background color tan, gray, or brownish with a series of dark dorsal blotches, sometimes forming a zigzag pattern
• Broad, triangular head distinct from a narrower neck
• Vertical, elliptical pupils typical of vipers
• Adults typically 0.9-1.3 m
• Distinguished from colubrids by its stout build, triangular head, and keeled scales

Found in a wide range of habitats including agricultural fields, orchards, scrubland, and rocky hillsides across Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and southwestern Turkey, often at low to moderate elevations.

Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, especially in warmer months, though can be active by day in cooler weather. Feeds on rodents, birds, and lizards using an ambush strategy. Reproduction is viviparous (live-bearing), with females giving birth to litters of several young.