Viperidae
Moorish Viper
VenomousDaboia mauritanica
6 photographs of the Moorish Viper. © Sara Navarro.
The Moorish Viper (Daboia mauritanica) is a venomous snake in the Viperidae family, recorded in 4 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 Moorish Viper
The Moorish viper (Daboia mauritanica or Macrovipera mauritanica; common names: Moorish viper, Sahara rock viper, Atlas blunt-nosed viper, more) is a species of venomous snake in the subfamily Viperinae of the family Viperidae. The species is native to northwestern Africa. No subspecies are recognized as being valid.
Description
Daboia mauritanica reaches a maximum total length (tail included) of 1.8 m (5.9 ft).
Common names
Common names for Daboia mauritanica include Moorish viper, Sahara rock viper, Atlas blunt-nosed viper, Atlas adder, and mountain adder.
Geographic distribution
Daboia mauritanica is found in northwestern Africa: Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. The type locality is "Algiers", according to Gray (1842), "Algeria" according to Schwarz (1936). It is limited to the coastal regions of Algeria. Coastal records from Tunisia may refer to Macrovipera deserti.
Conservation status
Daboia mauritanica is classified as Near Threatened (NT) according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (v3.1, 2001). Classified as such because this species is likely in significant decline (but at a rate of less than 30% over ten years) due to persecution, accidental mortality and over-harvesting, therefore making it close to qualifying for Vulnerable. The population trend is down. Year assessed: 2005.
Taxonomy
Based on molecular evidence, Lenk et al. (2001) suggested that this species, along with Macrovipera deserti, should rather be included in the genus Daboia.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Moorish Viper
- Is the Moorish Viper venomous?
- Yes. The Moorish Viper (Daboia mauritanica) 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 Moorish Viper poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Moorish Viper is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
- Is the Moorish 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 Moorish Viper live?
- The Moorish Viper has verified records in 4 countries, including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- Why is it called the Moorish Viper?
- Common names for Daboia mauritanica include Moorish viper, Sahara rock viper, Atlas blunt-nosed viper, Atlas adder, and mountain adder.
If you are bitten by the Moorish 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.
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.