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The designation of taxonomic units has important implications for theunderstanding and conservation of biodiversity. Eurasian vipers are amonophyletic group of viperid snakes (Serpentes, Viperinae), currentlycomprising four genera (Daboia, Macrovipera, Montivipera and Vipera)and up to 40 species. Taxonomic units have been described using a wide varietyof methods and criteria, and consequently, considerable controversy stillsurrounds the validity of some currently listed species. In order to promote aconsensus- and evidence-based taxonomy of Eurasian vipers, we analysedpublished mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences for this group to reconstructphylogenetic relationships among currently recognized viper species. We alsocompiled information on external morphology to assess their morphologicaldistinctiveness. Phylogenetic inference based on mtDNA sequences showscontrasting levels of divergence across genera and species and identifiesseveral instances of non-monophyly in described species. Nuclear DNA sequencesshow extremely low levels of genetic variation, with a widespread pattern ofallele sharing among distant species, and even among genera. Revision ofmorphological data shows that most species designations rely on scalationtraits that overlap extensively among species of the same genus. Based on ourcombined assessment, we recognize 15 taxa as valid species, three taxa whichlikely represent species complexes, 17 taxa of doubtful validity as species,and five taxa for which species status is maintained but further research is highly recommendedto assess taxonomic arrangements. We stress the need to implementintegrative taxonomic approaches for the recognition of evidence-basedtaxonomic units in Eurasian vipers.

Evaluating taxonomic inflation: towards evidence-based species delimitation in Eurasian vipers (Serpentes: Viperinae)