New records in Morocco and predictive distribution modeling for the rare Algerian Thread-snake: Myriopholis algeriensis (Jacquet, 1895)

Abstract

Myriopholis algeriensis (Jacquet, 1895) is a small (max. 28.5 cm) burrowing snake from
northwestern Africa. This secretive species is rarely observed. This article reports seven new observations of the species in Morocco, bringing the total to 35 observations across its range. Based on these occurrence records, a predicted distribution model is proposed. Our results indicate that M. algeriensis preferentially occupies arid habitats under Saharan climate. The presence of the species seems correlated with an annual precipitations ranging from 50 mm to 400 mm. Finally, our results highlight important knowledge gaps on the distribution of this snake.