Proposal for the Inclusion of Iranian Spider-tailed Viper in CITES Appendix II

Introductory Remarks by H. E. Mr. Javad Amin-Mansour Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of The Islamic Republic of Iran during COP18 of the CITES

بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

Introductory Remarks

By

H.E. Mr. Javad Amin-Mansour

Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of

The Islamic Republic of Iran

 during COP18 of the CITES

Proposal for the Inclusion of Iranian Spider-tailed Viper in CITES Appendix II

(26 August, 2019 – Geneva)

I would like to make some remarks on the Proposal 32 of the Department of the Environment of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the inclusion of all populations of Iranian Spider-tailed Viper in Appendix II of the Convention. The Latin name of this species is: Pseudocerastes urarachnoides, which reflects the Viper’s characteristics and makes it one of the most spectacular snakes in the world.

As per the distribution, the species is native to the Zagross Mountains in western part of Iran, particularly in Ilam, Kermanshah, Khuzestan and Lorestan provinces.

As a newly-described species, there is little information on its biological life-cycle and population size. It is considered as Data Deficient (DD) in the IUCN Red List, which has the potentials to be categorized as threatened species. I recall Resolution Conf. 9.24 (Rev. CoP17) of the CITES, entitled: “Criteria for amendment of Appendices I and II,” which stipulates the Parties shall apply the precautionary approach in case of uncertainty regarding the status of a species or the impact of trade on the conservation of a species, and act in the best interest of the conservation of the species concerned. We, thus, welcome the supports that we have so far received from the State Parties, including South Africa and India from the floor, environmental NGOs and scientific communities. We take note with satisfaction of the recommendation of the CITES Secretariat to take precautionary approach to this species and adopt the Proposal.

For the information of the distinguished participants, the species is a medium sized false-horned viper that mainly depends on limestone rounded hill habitats with scattered trees and shrubs. The Viper has a fascinating story, due to its unique morphology and behavior, becoming an attractive species to many people around the world.

With regard to the role of this species in the ecosystems, it is a “bird eating” snake, which uses its tail, mimicking a spider, to attract and capture small birds that they have found a suitable prey, and to trap them with the venomous fangs. Based on the direct observations and fecal samples, the species seems to mainly prey on small Passeriformes of migratory birds like shrikes, larks and warblers. There are also some records that the Viper’s diet includes small mammals.

Moreover, field data indicate that this species is rare and scattered with small populations in a limited distribution range. So far, little scientific research has been done and, thus, lack of reliable data prevents estimation of the total population and its trends. No data is available about the population structure, as well. However, local people and authorities as well as the Iranian environmental NGOs have frequently reported of the populations declines.

With regard to the utilization and trade of this nationally-protected species, there is no use of the species in human livelihoods in Iran and no permit has been issued for commercial purposes. There is just strong evidence of exchanges of this species in the foreign markets, including in Europe, due to its particular significance. I take the opportunity and refer to a survey among reptile-keepers in Germany, which confirmed this Viper is being held in private collections. Also, the discussions in an online forum revealed that in 2017 and 2018, the Iranian Spider-tailed Vipers were offered in Europe. As an example, in 2018, ten specimens were seized in Iran from a foreign smuggler. For your information, market price of this kind of Viper in Europe is about 10,000 Euro/pair.

So, one can conclude easily that, at present, illegal international pet trade are the main threat to the Iranian Spider-tailed Viper. Such circumstances, when there are publicly high demands with high price, pave the way for smugglers to take and export the Viper illegally. Therefore, the international trade of this species, for being used in the collections and other purposes, is imposing considerable pressure on the Viper’s populations in my country.

For the better enforcement of the internal law and conservation purposes, there is an urgent need for applying CITES regulations on international trade of this invaluable species. We, therefore, suggest the inclusion of all populations of Spider-tailed Viper in Appendix II of CITES. Adoption of this Proposal will help the Iranian Government and environmental NGOs preserve this globally unique and iconic Viper.

In conclusion, Mr. Chair, I invite all State Parties and the civil societies to support Proposal 32.