Recent identification key to Iraqi snakes

Abstract

Since 1959, Khalaf put up the first taxonomic key for snakes in Iraq. Until now, there are no taxonomic key for snakes in Iraq. Therefore, we have put up a new taxonomic key based on several taxonomic key from previous references  , 1959,  , Leviton et al., 1992,Mohamad, 2011, Afrasiab et al., 2013, Afrasiab and Mohamad , 2014, Amr and Disi, 2011). This keyIs a new reference for Studies and Research, where it lacks a key classification. I found new species found in Iraq such as Eryx jayakari (Boulenger, 1888), Natrix natrix (Pallas, 1814), Spalerosophis microlepis (Jan, 1865), Lytorhynchus diadema kennedyi (Schmidt, 1939), Eirenis coronelloides (Jan, 1862). Zamenis hohenackeri (Strauch, 1873), Malpolon insignitus (Geoffroyde ST- Hilaire, 1809), sub species Macrovipera lebetina obtuse (Dwinubsky, 1832), Genus: Montivipera (Nilson, Tuniyev, Andrén, Orlov, Joger & Herrmann, 1999) and sub species Montivipera raddei kurdistanica (Kucharzewski, 2011), Pseudocerastes persicus (Dumeril, Bibron & Dumerril,1854) Walterinnesia morgani (Mocquard, 1905).