Vipers are venimous and found in tropical areas of the world. They are found in the Americas among other places, but, what is interesting about vipers, is that they think. Depending on their circumstances they decide how much venom to release into their prey. This means they reserve venom to aid them in multiple attacks before having to produce more of a reservoir. They are a little more clever than the average snake and what makes them more dangerous.
This rare snake (click here) was thought to be extinct for nearly 140 years but then was "re-discovered" in eastern Turkey in 1983. Once the word got out, the news led to severe over-collecting by European and Turkish snake collectors. This is a serious threat for the future survival of the species, which has already been wiped out in much of its very small range. The Saint Louis Zoo participates in a Species Survival Plan with other North American zoos to breed and conserve this species (see side story)....
The St. Louis Zoo has become the expert on Eurasian Vipers and due to their expertise they are trusted by most countries and have successfully breed a once lost, but only missing, species.
ST. LOUIS (KSDK) - The Saint Louis Zoo has welcomed a few not-so-cuddly but highly endangered babies into its family.
The Saint Louis Zoo welcomed nine ocellate mountain vipers who were born at the zoo Aug. 16. The snake was considered extinct for almost 140 years but was later discovered in Eastern Turkey in the 1980s.
The Saint Louis Zoo is one of three zoos in the United States caring for this viper.
The Zoo works with other conservation organizations to ensure the survival of the species. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan recommended the breeding of the species.
