Bothrops alcatraz

Common names: Alcatrazes lancehead.^[1]

Bothrops alcatraz is a venomous pitviper species found only on an island off the coast of southeastern Brazil. No subspecies are currently recognized.

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Description

Grows to a maximum size of 46.2/50.5 cm for males/females. Its small size and relatively large eyes are considered paedomorphic (juvenile) characteristics.^[1]

Geographic range

Found only on Ilha Alcatrazes, 35 km off the coast of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil. This island, which has a total area of only 1.35 km², is one of four islands than make up the Alcatrazes Archipelago. The type locality given is therefore the same: "Alcatrazes Island, (24°06'S, 45°42'W), São Sebastião, São Paulo, Brazil."^[1]

Habitat

Described as "low Atlantic Forest vegetation." The highest point on island is 266 m.^[1]

Conservation status

This species is classified as critical (CRU) on the IUCN Red List for the following criteria: CR B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii) (v3.1 (2001).^[2] This means that the geographic range is estimated to be less than 100 km², that this area is severely fragmented or known to exist at only a single location, and that a continuing decline has been observed, inferred or projected for the area, extent and/or quality of the habitat. Furthermore, the area of occupancy is estimated to be less than 10 km², that this area is severely fragmented or known to exist at only a single location, and that a continuing decline, observed, inferred or projected in the area, extent and/or quality of habitat. Year assessed: 2004.^[3]

See also

• Crotalinae by common name
• Crotalinae by taxonomic synonyms
• Snakebite

Cited references