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Natural History and Captive

Propagation of the Caucusus Viper(Vipera kaznakovi)

Presented by

W. E. Becker, Curator Central States SerpentariumAdam C. Marfisi, Venomous Manager Central States Serpentarium

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Vipera kaznakovi; Nikolsky,1909

Tsebelda, Sukhumi District, onEastern Black Sea Coast, Caucasus,

Georgia.

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IUCN RED DATA LIST:considered: Endangered as of

2000

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Acclimating WC adults:

Hydration, Hydration,Hydration

Check fecals and mostwill be positive forcoccidia (caryospora) andnematodes

Treat with Flagyl andPanacur

These particular parasitesare resilient!

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Thriving adults

50-60% humidity

Mist 2x daily to ensure hydration

Temps for the active season: 75-85F After the active season Feb. through Oct;

hibernation occurs during middle Nov. to

mid Feb. Temps during hibernation: 47-52F

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Mating behavior

Unlike other Vipera sp., V. kaznakovi tend toscramble and chase rather than the aerial

display of i.e. V.berus or V. ammodytes

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Offspring

May copulation results in August offspring.

1995: 7 neonates were found at 0730. Wgtof the litter was between 2.4gms-3.4 gms.Despite all efforts all the offspring werelost. Prey items that were offered were:Anolis ,Sceloperus, Hylids, pink mice (live

and thawed) and crickets and all refused.This led to assist feeding.

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Offspring 97-98

1997: Aug 7, 5 neonates found basking on rocksand and branches at 1535 hrs. Again, theywould not feed on anything!!!! All offspring werelost w/i 3 months.

Met with Dr. Nikoli Orlov who stated none of thecollected specimens from the Artvin Province,Turkey neverfeed in the lab.

1998: There were 2 litters found: One litter of 6;2.8-3.6 gms and a litter of 4 kaznakovi x dinniki2.8- 3.2 gms!

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98 litters

In 1998, with no explanation

whatsoeverall offspring fed on

thawed pink mice and thrived!

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Summary

Hydration, Hydration, Hydration!!!!

IUCN Red listed ENDANGERED

Factors of endangerment : Deforestationfor agriculture; over collecting for reptiletrade.

Several U.S. institutions (i.e. St. LouisZoo) propagation programs in progress