Captive breeding and ex-situ conservation of the Caucasian pit viper Gloydius caucasicus

AUTHORS FAEZEH FATEMIZADEH; ALIREZA MOHAMMADI; MOHAMMAD KABOLI
ABSTRACT The Caucasian pit viper <i>Gloydius caucasicus</i> is one of six snake species that is frequently reported as a cause of venomous snakebite in Iran. We present the results of successful captive breeding of 20 Caucasian pit vipers (10 males; 10 females) collected in August 2018 from the Lar National Park; northern Iran. Mating; copulatory behaviours were observed from mid-June to early July 2019. Five of the ten females gave birth with parturition occurring from 10 to 13 September; when 17 vipers were born in litter sizes ranging from 2 to 5. The present captive breeding programme has been successful; shows potential for both venom production; support for conservation by reducing the demand for wild caught specimens.

The Herpetological Bulletin is a quarterly publication in English. It includes full-length papers, natural history notes, book reviews, and other items of general herpetological interest. Emphasis is placed on natural history and conservation as well as captive care that includes breeding, husbandry, veterinary, and behavioural aspects.

pdf 02. Captive breeding and ex-situ conservation of the Caucasian pit viper Gloydius caucasicus

81 downloads

Open Access

Download (pdf, 1.30 MB)

AUTHORS: FAEZEH FATEMIZADEH, ALIREZA MOHAMMADI & MOHAMMAD KABOLI

ABSTRACT: The Caucasian pit viper Gloydius caucasicus is one of six snake species that is frequently reported as a cause of venomous snakebite in Iran. We present the results of successful captive breeding of 20 Caucasian pit vipers (10 males and 10 females) collected in August 2018 from the Lar National Park, northern Iran. Mating and copulatory behaviours were observed from mid-June to early July 2019. Five of the ten females gave birth with parturition occurring from 10 to 13 September, when 17 vipers were born in litter sizes ranging from 2 to 5. The present captive breeding programme has been successful and shows potential for both venom production and support for conservation by reducing the demand for wild caught specimens.