NEWS
3484 Archive

2015.11.12

A new specie of viper has been found in Azerbaijan

Employees of the Laboratory of Herpetology of the Institute of Zoology (ANAS) (Ph.D.s in Biology S.Ahmadov, T.Isgandarov, S.Bunyatova, scientific worker G.Gasimova and senior laboratory assistant G.Gasimova) have conducted research on herpetofauna of the Guba-Khachmaz zone. As a result of the research, the new specie of snake (Pelias lotiyevi – Lotiyev shield-head), belonging to the Vipers (Viperidae) family was found in the high mountainous areas of the Greater Caucasus.

This specie’s areal on the world is the North Caucasus region and covers from the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus (around Sochi city) to the xerophytic mountainous areas, stretching along the border of Dagestan-Azerbaijan (at sea level 1000-2500 m). Spreading of Lotiyev shield-head was supposed in Azerbaijan (in the mountainous areas bordering with Dagestan).

This result proved that Pelias lotiyevi – Lotiyev shield-head, belonging to the Vipers (Viperidae) family is spread on the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus in Azerbaijan.  This specie was found only in Guba region in Azerbaijan, at 1900-2300m-above sea level, located in the subalpine, mountainous areas (Khinalig village). At present, the study of the specie’s spreading in the vertical and horizontal directions is planned.