Vipera walser

Vipera walser, the Walser viper or Piedmont viper is a viper endemic to the western Italian Alps. While long considered as an isolated population of Vipera berus, molecular analyses have shown it to be a distinct species related to the Vipera ursinii-complex.

Morphology

Morphologically, Vipera walser closely resembles the far more widespread Vipera berus. It differs in having a higher number of cephalic scales and more frequently shows fragmentation of the cephalic large shields. Additionally, most individuals possess 1.5 to 2 rows of subocular scales at both sides of the head, while Vipera berus usually only has a single row. Colouration is highly variable, with some specimens possessing a typical dorsal zigzag pattern, and others with a reduced pattern of horizontal bars. Additionally, melanistic individuals exist.

Geographic range

Vipera walser is limited to a small area in northern eastern Piedmont in the italian western Alps, with two disjunct populations, southern population of ±225 km² confined to an area of just 500 km² north of Biella and northern population of ±45 km² in the upper Valsesia.

Ecology

Vipera walser occurs in open habitats at an altitude of 1300-2300 m in valleys with high precipitation. It is mostly found on gentle south-oriented slopes with low forest cover.

Threats and conservation

Due to its recent description, Vipera walser has not yet been evaluated by International [Union for Conservation of Nature|IUCN], although the original species description argues that the limited extent of occurrence warrants a classification as 'IUCN [Red List|endangered]'. Fragmented habitat, decline in agropastoral landuse, culling and collection pose short-term threats, while in the long term climate change may alter the distribution. Additionally, low genetic variability may make the species even more prone to disturbances.