VU

Montivipera albicornuta

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Montivipera albicornuta faces significant pressure from habitat degradation due to agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in its mountainous range. Collection for the international reptile trade poses an additional threat, as this distinctive viper is sought after by collectors. Climate change may further restrict its already limited high-altitude habitat, forcing populations into increasingly fragmented refugia.

Threat summary

Habitat

This viper inhabits rocky mountainous terrain, typically found in alpine and subalpine zones at elevations between 1,500-3,000 meters. It favors areas with scattered vegetation, rocky outcrops, and stone walls that provide shelter and thermoregulation opportunities.

Grassland· majorRocky areas· major

Other threatened species in VIPERIDAE

Angolan AdderVU

Angolan Adder

Bitis heraldica

Declining
VU

Lataste's Viper

Vipera latastei

Declining
VU

Black-headed Bushmaster

Lachesis melanocephala

Declining
EN

Caucasus Viper

Vipera kaznakovi

Declining

Threatened in Iran

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
VU

Lesser White-fronted Goose

Anser erythropus

Declining
Scarce BlackneckCR

Scarce Blackneck

Lygephila craccae

Unknown
Common Fire SalamanderVU

Common Fire Salamander

Salamandra salamandra

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Montivipera albicornuta classified as Vulnerable?
Montivipera albicornuta is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Montivipera albicornuta faces significant pressure from habitat degradation due to agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in its mountainous range. Collection for the international reptile trade poses an additional threat, as this distinctive viper is sought after by collectors. Climate change may further restrict its already limited high-altitude habitat, forcing populations into increasingly fragmented refugia.
Where does Montivipera albicornuta live?
Montivipera albicornuta occurs in Iran. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Montivipera albicornuta?
The main threats to Montivipera albicornuta are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.