Levantine Viper (Macrovipera lebetina)
- Habitat: Arid and semi-arid regions, including deserts, rocky areas, and scrublands
- Distribution: Middle East, including countries like Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, lizards, and occasionally insects
- Size: Typically 1.5-3 feet in length
Physical Description:
- Appearance: The Levantine Viper has a robust and heavy body with a broad head distinct from the neck. Its coloration can vary but typically includes shades of gray, brown, or yellowish-brown with darker, irregular blotches or crossbands along the back.
- Size: Adults can grow quite large, often reaching lengths of 1 to 1.5 meters (about 3 to 5 feet), with some individuals exceeding this size.
- Scales: The scales are keeled, giving the snake a rough texture.
Conservation:
- Status: The Levantine Viper is not currently listed as endangered. However, habitat destruction and human persecution can pose threats to local populations.
- Protection: Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation and reducing human-snake conflict.