[5] The specific name, bornmuelleri, is in honor of German botanist Joseph Friedrich Nicolaus Bornmüller.

[6] M. bornmuelleri grows to a maximum total length (including tail) of about 75 cm (30 in), but usually much less.

[4] M. bornmuelleri is found in high mountain areas in Israel, Lebanon, and Syria.

[1][2][3] Its preferred natural habitats are cedar forest, shrubland, and alpine grassland.

[1] This indicates that it is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild because the extent of its occurrence within its geographic range is estimated to be less than 5,000 km2 (1,931 sq mi), because its populations are severely fragmented or known to exist at no more than 5 locations, and because a continued decline is observed, inferred or projected in the area, extent and/or quality of its habitat.