Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

A group of Azerbaijani scientists have discovered a species of snake in the country that was hitherto not believed to inhabit this region.

During research in Guba-Khachmaz region, the staff of the Herpetology laboratory of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Science’s Zoology Institute found the species of snake called Pelias lotiyevi, belonging to the family of Viperidae.

The species is new for the Greater Caucasus mountain areas. Pelias lotievi has been never observed in Azerbaijan before.

This species normally inhabits the North Caucasus region and highland xerophytes, stretching from the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus to the borders between Dagestan and Azerbaijan.

So far, this species has been found only in the Guba region mountainous areas, situated at an altitude of 1,900-2,300 meters above sea level.

The Institute of Zoology plans to continue studying the habitats of this kind of snake in the country.

Viperidae is a venomous species of snakes. Their body length, including the tail, can reach almost two meters and they can weigh up to three kg.

This species is very dangerous for both humans and pets.

Blunt-nosed viper, the most common species of snakes in the area of the Absheron peninsula, wakes up in April and May, and can be found in mixed forests, meadows, marshes, and areas along rivers, lakes, and streams.

The Transcaucasian viper, steppe viper, copperhead snake, and Asia Minor viper (which is listed in the Red Book of rare Azerbaijani animals and insects), are among the most poisonous snakes found in the country.

Viper has a very large and broad head, with a round face. It has ribbed scales on the entire upper surface of the head. Its color is usually monotonous, but sometimes, it is also possible to meet one with a complex pattern in the form of spots and arcs.

Their habitat is deserts, semi-deserts and mountain steppe zones. They are found on the mountain, among overgrown bushes, slopes, dry foothills, river valleys, and along the banks of canals.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist. Follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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