First documented record of Pseudocerastes persicus (Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854) (Squamata, Viperidae) from Iraq

Pseudocerastes persicus (Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854), Persian Horned Viper, is a venomous species found in western Iran, Pakistan, and possibly Afghanistan, with isolated populations in the UAE and Oman. Despite reports from Iraq and Türkiye, no confirmed evidence from these countries existed until now. In August 2024, a local hunter captured a live specimen in the Zurbatia Foothills in eastern Iraq, on the border with Iran. Although the specimen was not preserved, video and photographic documentation confirm its identification. This record extends the geographic range of P. persicus into eastern Iraq and emphasizes the need for further field research on this species’ distribution and conservation in the country.