Viperidae
Armenian Viper
VenomousMontivipera raddei
3 photographs of the Armenian Viper. © Tigran Tadevosyan.
The Armenian Viper (Montivipera raddei) is a venomous snake in the Viperidae family, recorded in 5 countries.
If you are bitten
This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.
- Family
- Viperidae
- Danger
- high
About the Armenian Viper
Montivipera raddei also known commonly as the Armenian viper (Hy: «Հայկական գյուրզա») is a species of venomous snake, living in rocky habitats in and around Armenia. Known also by local names, it belongs to the subfamily Viperinae of the family Viperidae. The species is native to the Armenian Highlands, including the countries Armenia, southeastern Turkey, northern Iraq, and the northern Zagros Mountains in northwestern Iran. Two subspecies are recognised as being valid.
Etymology
The specific name, raddei, is in honor of German naturalist Gustav Radde.
Common names
Common names for Montivipera raddei include rock viper, Radde's mountain viper, Armenian mountain viper, Armenian viper, Radde's viper, Armenian mountain adder.
Description
Adult males of Montivipera raddei grow to a maximum total length (including tail) of 99 cm (39 in). Adult females are smaller with a maximum total length of 79 cm (31 in).
Geographic range
Montivipera raddei is found in Eastern Turkey, northwestern Iran, Armenia, Nakhijevan, and probably Iraq. This species is parapatric or slightly sympatric with M. wagneri in the Arax River valley, Kars Province in Eastern Turkey.
Conservation status
Montivipera raddei is classified as Lower Risk with a subcategory of least concern (LR/lc) according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (v2.3, 1994). This indicates that it has been evaluated, but that it does not satisfy the criteria for any of the categories Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable. Also, it does not qualify for Conservation Dependent or Near Threatened either. Year assessed: 1996.
It is, however, listed as a protected species (Appendix III) under the Berne Convention.
Taxonomy
Montivipera raddei is apparently closely related to Montivipera r. albicornuta and M. latifii; together they sometimes form the Montivipera raddei complex. There are two subspecies: the nominate from Armenia, Nakhijevan, Eastern Turkey, North-West Iran.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Armenian Viper
- Is the Armenian Viper venomous?
- Yes. The Armenian Viper (Montivipera raddei) is venomous and belongs to the Viperidae family (viper). Its bite is considered high risk to people. Treat any bite as a medical emergency.
- Is the Armenian Viper poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Armenian Viper is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
- Is the Armenian Viper dangerous?
- This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.
- Where does the Armenian Viper live?
- The Armenian Viper has verified records in 5 countries, including Armenia, Türkiye, Iran (Islamic Republic of). See the distribution section below for its full range.
- Why is it called the Armenian Viper?
- The specific name, raddei, is in honor of German naturalist Gustav Radde.
If you are bitten by the Armenian Viper
Do
- Get away from the snake and stay calm. Most bites worsen when people panic or try again to handle the snake.
- Call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) right away. Antivenom works best when given early.
- Note the time of the bite and, from a safe distance, the snake's color and pattern, a phone photo is enough. Do not chase it.
- Keep the bitten limb still and at roughly heart level. Sit or lie down and limit movement.
- Remove rings, watches, and tight clothing near the bite before swelling starts.
- Gently wash the bite with soap and water and cover it with a clean, dry dressing.
Do not
- Do not cut the wound or try to suck out the venom.
- Do not apply a tourniquet or ice.
- Do not drink alcohol or caffeine.
- Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen, they can worsen bleeding. Acetaminophen is safer for pain.
- Do not try to catch or kill the snake. A dead snake can still bite by reflex.
First-aid guidance adapted from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC NIOSH), Venomous Snakes. Educational only; always follow the instructions of emergency responders.
Where it is found
More Viperidae snakes
Classification
How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.
- OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards
- Squamata
- FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits
- Viperidae
- GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
- Montivipera
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Montivipera raddei
Keep learning
- Are Snakes Dangerous? The Real Risk, in PerspectiveMost snakes are harmless and avoid people. Here is the honest picture of snakebite risk worldwide and how to lower your own.
- Snakebite First Aid: What to Do (and What Never to Do)A clear, CDC-based guide to snakebite first aid: the steps that help, the popular myths that hurt, and how to tell a serious bite from a minor one.
- Venomous vs Nonvenomous: How to Tell the DifferenceThe folk rules for telling venomous snakes apart, where each one fails, and why location-based identification beats guessing by sight.
- What to Do If You Find a SnakeFound a snake at home or on a trail? Here is how to stay calm, give it space, identify it safely, and know when to call a professional.
Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.