SANBI

Rationale (Changed due to Knowledge of criteria|Criteria Revision|Incorrect data used previously)

Has a restricted distribution and a small extent of occurrence (EOO = 795 km²). The single known surviving population is at two threat locations relative to the threat of mining. Its habitat is currently being extensively strip-mined for limestone pavement, resulting in a continuing decline in area, extent and quality. The range of Bitis albanica appears to have undergone considerable contraction, as no specimens have been collected from two historical areas (Die Dune, Port Elizabeth; and Brak Kloof and Kleinpoort, Grahamstown) despite directed searches in these areas. Most recent records are restricted to a 10 km strip currently being mined for limestone pavement. Coega Bontveld habitat is poorly protected and more than 60% of this vegetation type falls within the Pretoria Portland Cement mine and may be strip-mined in the future. The species therefore qualifies for listing as Endangered.

Distribution

Endemic to South Africa and very restricted to inland areas of Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape Province (Branch 1998, Bates et al. 2014). Probably extinct at several historical localities (Bates et al. 2014).

Habitat View more ecological information

Population trend

Trend

The global population is likely to be very small. Bates et al. (2014) reported that only 17 specimens had been collected, however, several new individuals have been found during recent conservation-driven investigations, all from the vicinity of the known extant population (B. Maritz pers. obs. 2017). We infer that the population is decreasing on the basis of extirpations of several subpopulations (near Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown) and from overall reductions in available known habitat.

Threats

Habitat destruction is the main threat. Coega Bontveld has a total area of 24,622 ha and 93% of this was untransformed when the habitat was last assessed (around 2005; Mucina and Rutherford 2006). However, the development of limestone strip mining and the Coega Industrial Development Zone are likely to push this vegetation type to near extinction.

Uses and trade

There is no evidence that individuals of this species have been removed from the wild for the pet trade. However, there is concern that due to interest in small vipers from hobbyists, that this species could be a target for trade in the future. The presence of this species in the pet trade should be monitored, as removal of individuals from the wild could be detrimental to the remaining population.

Conservation

The taxonomic status of this species needs to be resolved considering the apparent close relationship between it, Bitis armata and B. inornata. A comprehensive survey needs to be carried out in the Coega Bonteveld habitat in Addo National Park, as well as the potentially suitable habitat between Addo and the Pretoria Portland Cement mine (PPC). Further recommendations are to conduct research to improve knowledge of biology, population numbers and habitat requirements, and provide protection through local and national legislation. Provide formal protection of at least one locality known to harbour populations of the species to encompass sufficient unmined Bontveld habitat (i.e. intact limestone pavement) to protect a sustainable population. Determine if there is removal of this species from the wild for the commercial pet trade, and if so, at what level. If enough information becomes available, this species is a candidate for a Biodiversity Management Plan for the Species (see South African National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, Act No. 10 of 2004) and a Population and Habitat Viability Analysis.

References

[@electronic{181632,
 address = {www.iucnredlist.org},
 author = {IUCN},
 title = {The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2018-2},
 year = {2018}
}
,@book{19520513,
 address = {Pretoria, South Africa.},
 author = {Mucina, L. and Rutherford, M.C.},
 publisher = {Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute},
 title = {The Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland},
 year = {2006}
}
,@book{612,
 address = {Pretoria},
 author = {Bates, M.F., Branch, W.R., Bauer, A.M., Burger, M., Marais, J., Alexander, G.J. and de Villiers, M.S.},
 publisher = {Suricata 1. South African National Biodiversity Institute},
 title = {Atlas and Red List of the Reptiles of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland},
 year = {2014}
}
,@book{2817,
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 author = {Branch, W.R.},
 publisher = {Struik Publishers},
 title = {Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Third Edition},
 year = {1998}
}
,@book{2817,
 address = {Cape Town},
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 publisher = {Struik Publishers},
 title = {Field Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Second Edition},
 year = {1998}
}
,@book{2817,
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 title = {A Complete Guide to the Snakes of Southern Africa},
 year = {2004}
}
,@book{2817,
 address = {Cape Town},
 author = {Alexander, G.J. and Marais, J.},
 publisher = {Struik Publishers},
 title = {A Guide to Reptiles of Southern Africa},
 year = {2007}
}
,@book{2817,
 address = {Frankfurt, Germany},
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 title = {Old World Vipers. A natural history of the Azemiopinae and Viperinae},
 year = {2009}
}
,@inbook{2817,
 address = {Darmstadt, Germany},
 author = {},
 booktitle = {Dwarf adders of the <i>Bitis cornuta</i>-<i>inornata</i> complex (Serpentes: Viperidae)},
 editor = {Branch, W.R.},
 pages = {39--63},
 publisher = {Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt und Technische Universit&auml;t Darmstadt},
 title = {<i>Kaupia</i>: Systematics, Phylogeny and Biology of the Viperidae},
 year = {1999}
}
,]

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