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Montpellier snake

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Hàbitat Natural
Location in the zoo

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Geographic distribution:

Iberian Peninsula, south France, north Italy and north Africa to the Western Sahara

Scientific name:
- Malpolon monspessulanus
Taxonomy:
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Family: Colubridae
Biology:
- Area of origin: Europe, Africa
- Habitat: Forest
- Social life: Solitary
- Food: Carnivorous

Rating:
- Reptile
Physical Characteristics:
- Longevity: more than 15 years
- Weight at birth:
- Middleweight: 0,5 - 1,5 kg
- Length: up to 2 m
Reproduction
- Reproduction: Oviparous
- Incubation: 2 - 3 months
- Number of eggs: 4 - 11 eggs

Risk level of the species

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Red list: Scale according to the situation of the species IUCN

Description

The Montpellier snake is the largest on the Iberian Peninsula, with specimens measuring more than 2 m. The head, clearly differentiated from the body, is characterised by the presence of large supraorbital scales that form a type of prominent eyebrow over the eyes. Dorsal colouration is uniformly dark -brown, greenish or almost black-, while the underbelly is yellowish with small scattered dark spots.
It is a typical inhabitant of the Mediterranean forest, preferring open scrubland, but also present in anthropic areas, such as around crops, parks, rubbish tips and city outskirts. They feed on small mammals, birds and lizards.
It is venomous yet is an opistoglyph, meaning that the fangs that inject poison are located at the back of the mouth, so that it is not dangerous to man.
Thanks to their ability to adapt to human presence, this species is still quite common in many regions and is one of the most abundant colubrids in our country today. Direct persecution and the degradation of their habit are the most serious dangers they face.

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