A thorn among the roses - Bitis inornata
How's that for a slap in the face... scientists put inornate in your name.
If it isn't enough to be one of the most dull of the vipers... the scientist have to point it out and label you with it.
It is very rare, considered vulnerable and known from only two very isolated populations.
Field guides are not likely to depict this species. The plain mountain adder, hornless adder or cape puff adder. I must admit I had never even heard of this species before researching further on the Bitis family.
Probably only 10 specimens are known to science.
With so few specimens around little is known about its toxicology and habits.
Wikipedia has this much to say about its Conservation status:
This species is classified as vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List for the following criteria: A2cd, B1+2ab. This means a population reduction of at least 20% is projected or suspected to be met within the next ten years or three generations, whichever is the longer, due to a decline in the area of occupancy, extent of occurrence and/or quality of habitat, or due to actual or potential levels of exploitation. Also, the extent of occurrence is estimated to cover less than 100 km², or the area of occupancy is estimated to be less than 10 km², and the population is severely fragmented or known to exist at only a single location. Finally, a continuing decline has been observed, inferred or projected, in the area of occupancy (year assessed: 1996).
Beautiful and dangerous reptiles. They need protection, too
nice and rare animal has to be protected
but I still wouldn't come closer ;)
But... it hasn't even bitten anybody... that we know of ;)
We currently have a Miniature Doberman Puppy which definitely should be included in the Bitis Family!
This post has been ranked within the top 10 most undervalued posts in the second half of Dec 08. We estimate that this post is undervalued by $34.61 as compared to a scenario in which every voter had an equal say.
See the full rankings and details in The Daily Tribune: Dec 08 - Part II. You can also read about some of our methodology, data analysis and technical details in our initial post.
If you are the author and would prefer not to receive these comments, simply reply "Stop" to this comment.