Frequency and effort of reproduction in female Vipera aspis from a southern population

The frequency of reproduction of the asp viper ( Vipera aspis, Viperidae) was studied in a population living along the coasts of central Italy. An annual reproductive cycle seemed to be the rule during the 5-year study period. Annual reproduction, high average mass of reproductive females, and large...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Acta oecologica (Montrouge) 1999-11, Vol.20 (6), p.633-638
Main Authors: Zuffi, Marco A.L., Giudici, Federico, Ioalè, Paolo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal and plant ecology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Animals
Autoecology
Biological and medical sciences
central Italy
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Mediterranean warm areas
Reproduction
Reptilia. Amphibia
snakes
Vertebrata
Vipera aspis
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Summary:The frequency of reproduction of the asp viper ( Vipera aspis, Viperidae) was studied in a population living along the coasts of central Italy. An annual reproductive cycle seemed to be the rule during the 5-year study period. Annual reproduction, high average mass of reproductive females, and large size of neonates, compared with other northern or continental populations, are presumably due to the particularly suitable climatic conditions of the area, as in most coastal habitats of the Mediterranean region. Such a scenario should influence the extent of the feeding period, which allows females, within a few months after parturition, to regain their previous body condition and reproduce again the following year.
ISSN:1146-609X
1873-6238
DOI:10.1016/S1146-609X(99)00106-X