Meadow viper  (Vipera ursinii)

Genetic diversity: The variety of genes within a particular species, population or breed causing differences in morphology, physiology and behaviour.
Inbreeding: The breeding of closely related individuals. An inbred population usually has less genetic variability and this is generally disadvantageous for its long-term survival and success.
Invertebrates: Animals with no backbone.
Outbreeding: The mating of unrelated individuals. Outbreeding increases genetic variability and the health of individuals and populations. It is generally beneficial for the long-term survival and success of populations.
Subspecies: A population usually restricted to a geographical area that differs from other populations of the same species, but not to the extent of being classified as a separate species.
Venomous: Species that produce and can inject poisonous venom under the skin (usually through a bite or sting), causing injury, illness, or death.
Vertebrates: Animals with a backbone.

1. IUCN Red List (January, 2008)
   http://www.iucnredlist.org
   
2. Reptilien (January, 2008)
   http://www.reptiles.de/Europ%C3%A4ische%20Viperiden/Vipera%20ursinii.htm
   
3. Rakosivipera (March, 2006)
   http://www.rakosivipera.hu/hirek_en.htm
   
4. CITES (January, 2006)
   http://www.cites.org
   
5. Ujvari, B., Madsen, T., Kotenko, T., Olsson, M., Shine, R. and Wittzell, H. (2002) Low genetic diversity threatens imminent extinction for the Hungarian meadow viper (Vipera ursinii rakosiensis). Biological Conservation, 105: 127 - 130.
   
6. Aircav: Poisonous Snakes of Europe (March, 2006)
   http://www.aircav.com/survival/appe/asappe10.html
   
7. Nilson, G. and Andrén, C. (2001) The meadow and steppe vipers of Europe and Asia - the Vipera (Acridophaga) ursinii complex. Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae, 47: 87 - 267.
   
8. Reptitalia (March, 2006)
   http://www.kingsnake.com/reptilia-italia/My_HomePage_file/viperaorsini.htm
   
9. Agrimi, U. and Luiselli, L. (1992) Feeding strategies of the viper Vipera ursinii ursinii (Reptilia: Viperidae) in the Apennines. Herpetological Journal, 2 (2): 37 - 42.
   
10. Societas Europaea Herpetologica. (2005) Programme and Abstracts, 13th Ordinary Meeting. Societas Europaea Herpetologica, Bonn, Germany. Available at:
    http://www.gli.cas.cz/seh/files/SEH_Abstracts_Final_20-09.pdf
    
11. UNEP-WCMC: Protected Areas Programme (March, 2006)
    http://www.unep-wcmc.org/protected_areas/data/wh/danubed.html