The viperine water snake (Natrix maura) is a semi-aquatic freshwater snake species widely distributed across Western Europe and Northern Africa. N. maura has been reported outside its native range in the islands of Menorca and Mallorca in the Balearic Islands of Spain and in Belgium. Negative impacts of its introduction have been documented. The reduction and extirpation of populations of the endemic midwife toad (Alytes muletensis) of Mallorca from parts of the island is due to N. maura predation. There is evidence the species is used by snake charmers in northern Africa but no further evidence of trade was found. The History of Invasiveness is classified as High. The Overall Climate Match for the contiguous United States was High. The largest areas of high match were found in the Desert Southwest and in patches in the Rocky Mountains. The Certainty of Assessment is High due to consistent documentation of N. maura having negative impacts on a native species. The Overall Risk Assessment Category is High.
Publication date
Type of document
High Risk
Program


