Mixcoatlus barbouri

Mixcoatlus barbouri is a pit viper species endemic to Mexico. No subspecies are currently recognized.

Etymology

The specific name, barbouri, is in honor of American herpetologist Thomas Barbour.

Description

Adults of M. barbouri generally grow to 30–40 cm in total length, with a maximum recorded total length of 51.0 cm. The species is terrestrial and moderately stout.
The color pattern consists of a blackish ground color, overlaid with a vague dorsal zig-zag stripe that extends down the flanks, which looks like a series of triangular markings. The skin between the scales is rust-colored, as are the sides of the head.

Geographic range

Mixcoatlus barbouri is found in the highlands of the Sierra Madre del Sur in the state of Guerrero, Mexico.
The type locality given is "Omilteme, Guerrero, Mexico".

Habitat

The preferred habitats of M. barbouri are mountain areas at some 9,000 feet elevation in rocky pine forests and clearings with bunch grass.

Conservation status

The species M. barbouri is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species with the following criteria: B1ab. A species is listed as such when the best available evidence indicates that the geographic range, in the form of extent of occurrence, is estimated to be less than 5,000 km², estimates indicate the population is severely fragmented or known to exist at no more than five locations, and a continuing decline has been observed, inferred or projected in the area, extent and/or quality of habitat. It is therefore considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. The population trend is down. Year assessed: 2007.