Distribution

The Milos viper (Macrovipera schweizeri) is a highly localized and endangered viper species endemic to only four of the western Cyclades archipelago in Greece. Its distribution is limited to the islands: Milos, Kimolos, Polýaigos, and Sifnos. Its ecology slightly changes from island to island with individuals from West Milos and Polyaigos exhibiting similar ambush bird feeding behavior as opposed to Kimolos and Sifnos where the species seems to have adapted to a diet that predominantly includes rodents, away from streams and dispersed throughout the islands. 

Within these islands, the species occupies a relatively restricted area ranging from sea level up to 400 meters above sea level. The largest and most important population occurs on Milos Island, where estimates suggest fewer than 3,000 individuals, mainly concentrated in the western part of the island. Although past records suggested possible presence on Antimilos or Kythnos, these remain unconfirmed, and the species’ distribution is therefore confined strictly to the four islands mentioned above. In total, the range of the Milos viper covers just over 100 km², making it one of the most geographically restricted snake species in Europe. This narrow distribution, combined with illegal collection, direct persecution, road mortality, and habitat degradation, has led the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to classify the Milos viper as Endangered. Its limited range and small, fragmented populations make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and anthropogenic pressures. 

You can find more detailed information on the pages for Milos, Kimolos, Polyaigos and Sifnos.