We dedicate today’s World Reptile Day to the nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes), one of the most widespread and well-known snake species in our region.
Recognisable by the diamond-shaped patterns along its back and the small horn-like projection on the tip of its head, the nose-horned viper prefers dry, rocky habitats. It remains active from March to October, spending the winter in hibernation. Mating takes place in spring, and females give birth to between 4 and 20 live young.
Although it often causes fear among people, the nose-horned viper plays an important role in maintaining the natural balance. Its diet consists mainly of rodents, making it a natural ally of farmers in controlling their populations.
However, fear of its venom often leads to the snake being persecuted and killed. That is why it is important to raise public awareness of its role in nature and to understand that bites most often occur when the snake is disturbed or feels threatened. The safest approach is to keep a safe distance and allow it to retreat on its own.
Monitoring nose-horned viper populations provides valuable insights into the health of the ecosystems on which they depend. By protecting this species, we contribute to preserving the natural balance and the region’s rich biodiversity.
Our activities for monitoring the biodiversity of Prespa is supported by the project “Prespa Green & Blue Initiative: Empowering Conservation through Research, Education and Communication” funded by the European Union under the programme “EU for Prespa” and co-funded by the Prespa-Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT). Project implementation partners are the Macedonian Ecological Society, the Municipality of Resen, Galichica National Park, the Society for the Protection of Prespa (SPP) from the Republic of Greece, and the Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA) from the Republic of Albania. The implementation of project activities is supported by the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning of the Republic of North Macedonia and Pelister National Park.
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