Spider-tailed Viper, the most evolved viper known

The Spider-tailed Viper is considered the most evolved viper in the world. It was discovered in 2006 by Hamid Bostanchi and Professor Anderson. From 2006 to 2012, no images of this species were recorded in the wild, until the filmmaking team succeeded in documenting it in its natural habitat for the first time in 2012.

The unique feature of the Spider-tailed Viper is the spider-like structure at the end of its tail, which makes it the most evolutionarily advanced viper known on Earth. No other snake in the world possesses such a highly developed tail structure. Using this spider-like lure, the viper skillfully attracts and hunts insectivorous birds.

Life among gypsum cliffs

Another remarkable characteristic of this viper is its extremely limited distribution. This species is found only in a small area of gypsum cliffs in western Iran, especially in Ilam Province. This narrow range is one of the major threats contributing to the species’ risk of extinction. The film uses aerial footage to better illustrate this unique habitat.

The search for the first viper

The film begins when Dr. Behzad Fathinia (a PhD student in Animal Biosystematics at the time) and director Fathollah Amiri start searching for the Spider-tailed Viper in its habitat. Their search continues for several months within the area described in the original discovery paper, yet not a single individual is found.

What makes this film truly exceptional

The highest level of wildlife conservation occurs when local communities voluntarily protect the nature and biodiversity around them.

The making of this film was more than a documentary project. Its most notable achievement is the positive impact the filmmakers had on the conservation of a species found nowhere else on Earth. A young villager who had repeatedly and easily killed these vipers in the past became the species’ strongest protector during the project. Despite receiving high-priced offers from Iranian and foreign buyers for the viper, Mahmoud firmly rejected all requests and even reported them to environmental authorities and the filmmaking team. This transformation is the film’s greatest success.