Palestine Viper
Daboia palaestinae
A heavy-bodied viper of the Levant.
- Adult length
- 0.9-1.3 m (3-4.3 ft)
- Range
- Levant (Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, southwestern Turkey)
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Overview
The Palestine Viper is a viper of the genus Daboia found across the Levant, including Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and parts of southwestern Turkey. It is closely related to the Russell's Vipers of South Asia.
It is relatively common near agricultural and semi-urban areas.
How to identify it
- Heavy-bodied with strongly keeled scales giving a rough texture
- Background color tan, gray, or brownish with a series of dark dorsal blotches, sometimes forming a zigzag pattern
- Broad, triangular head distinct from a narrower neck
- Vertical, elliptical pupils typical of vipers
- Adults typically 0.9-1.3 m
- Distinguished from colubrids by its stout build, triangular head, and keeled scales
Habitat & range
Found in a wide range of habitats including agricultural fields, orchards, scrubland, and rocky hillsides across Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and southwestern Turkey, often at low to moderate elevations.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, especially in warmer months, though can be active by day in cooler weather. Feeds on rodents, birds, and lizards using an ambush strategy. Reproduction is viviparous (live-bearing), with females giving birth to litters of several young.
Frequently asked questions
How big does the Palestine Viper get?
Adults typically reach 0.9-1.3 m (3-4.3 ft).
Where is the Palestine Viper found?
Across the Levant, including Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and parts of southwestern Turkey.
Is the Palestine Viper egg-laying or live-bearing?
It is live-bearing (viviparous).
Palestine Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Palestine Viper.
