Moorish Viper, Daboia mauritanica (Gray, 1849) (Squamata, Viperidae), in Algeria: new provincial records, range extension, and an update on its distribution

Abstract

 Daboia mauritanica (Gray, 1849), Moorish Viper, is native to North Africa. We update the distribution map for this species in Algeria, providing 19 new locality records, filling distribution gaps and significantly expanding the species’ known range. Our updated distribution map reveals a widespread presence of the species in northern Algeria, extending south into the northern Sahara. We note that some historical records in certain provinces remain unconfirmed and/or questionable, indicating the need for further investigation. Our findings underscore the importance of collaboration between researchers and citizen scientists in Algeria.

Keywords

• Citizen science
• North Africa
• reptile
• Sahara