Post on 06-Apr-2018
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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