Taxonomy, biology and natural history of the Milos viper Macrovipera schweizeri (Werner, 1935): literature review and observations on autumnal activity and importance of residual pools

The Milos viper (Macrovipera schweizeri) is an endangered species restricted to the western side of the Cyclades archipelago, endemic to the islands of Kimolos, Milos, Polýaigos and Sifnos. This threatened viper has been at the centre of several studies aimed to better understand its peculiar biology and ecology. Through the extensive analysis of the available literature, here we provide a detailed summary of the current knowledge regarding taxonomic status, biogeography, morphology, reproductive biology, ecology, toxinology, and conservation of M. schweizeri. The major goal of this literature review is to condensate the outcomes of various studies and short notes, and to highlight differences and similarities between them. Furthermore, here we report some observational records regarding the daily activity pattern of M. schweizeri in early autumn and some considerations on the ecological importance of residual water bodies for this species