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Project Title: Partners: Project Commencement Year: Status: Species: IUCN Red List Status: National Red List Status (Croatia): Meadow Viper (Vipera ursinii macrops) Protection Project 

The project for the protection of the mountain yellow-bellied snake (Vipera ursinii) focuses on the research, monitoring, and conservation of this rare venomous species, which is extremely sensitive to environmental changes due to its high-altitude habitat and limited accessibility. Through research conducted at the Zagreb Zoo, the project provides detailed insights into the reproductive biology of the species, with particular emphasis on litter size and dietary habits of young individuals. These findings are essential for understanding the life cycle of the mountain yellow-bellied snake and form the basis for future conservation strategies, including the development of a national monitoring program to assess and support the species’ status in the wild.

As an key educational element arising from the project, an exhibition titled “Accept the Challenge – Get to Know Croatia’s Snakes” has been established, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about their importance in the ecosystem and the significance of conservation efforts. Educating the public is crucial for dispelling myths and overcoming prejudices, while also raising awareness of snakes as an integral part of Croatia’s natural heritage. The exhibition plays a significant role in promoting awareness, especially concerning the conservation of the mountain yellow-bellied snake, ensuring a lasting educational impact.

The project involves collaboration with the Croatian Herpetological Society HYLA, the Croatian Biological Research Society (HDBI), and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, with support from Paklenica National Park. As part of this collaboration, in situ research has been conducted to gather data on the population density and distribution of the mountain yellow-bellied snake in natural habitats located 1,100 meters above sea level. The collected data has been instrumental in developing a national monitoring program to assess the conservation status of this species. This initiative represents a significant step toward the sustainable preservation of the mountain yellow-bellied snake in Croatia’s mountainous regions.

In 2012, approximately thirty individuals from both species were introduced to the zoo, while several juveniles, along with around fifty zoo-hatched young, were released into their natural habitats. As part of the educational outreach, 5,000 informational brochures were distributed to the public.

The veterinary aspect of the project involves studying the microbiota of the oral cavity, cloaca, and venom of snakes. This research aims to enable early detection of pathogenic bacteria that could complicate snakebite wounds. The project is a collaborative effort between the Croatian Herpetological Society (HYLA), the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Zagreb, and the Biological Research Association (BIOM).

Originally planned as a two-year initiative (2012–2013), the project allows for possible extension. The first results were presented in a poster titled “Venom and Intestinal Bacterial Flora from Venomous Snakes in Croatia” at the WDA/EWDA congress, “Convergence in Wildlife Health,” held in Lyon, France. The poster featured data collected in 2011 from samples of snake oral cavities, cloacae, and venom. Based on the number of pathogens identified, plans are underway to expand sampling to a larger population of snakes, conduct detailed microbiota analysis using molecular techniques, and assess the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolated bacteria.

The project contributes to raising public awareness about snakes as important, yet often overlooked animals, breaking down prejudices and emphasizing their significance to the ecosystem. Initiatives like this play a key part in preserving the mountain yellow-bellied snake and ensuring its protection as an integral part of Croatia’s natural and biological heritage.

For more information on the Accept the Challenge – Get to Know Croatia’s Snakes exhibition, please visit [LINK]. Additional details about snake species in the city of Zagreb can be found at https://zoo.hr/zmije-zagreba/. To read insights from members of the Croatian Herpetological Society HYLA on the project, follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.502724043130954&type=3&_rdr. For information on Croatia’s national conservation programs for the mountain yellow-bellied snake (Vipera ursinii), see: https://www.haop.hr/sites/default/files/uploads/dokumenti/03_prirodne/monitoring_prog/FINAL%20Vipera%20ursinii%2010-15.pdf.

Summary:

The Meadow Viper (Vipera ursinii) Conservation Project is dedicated to the research and preservation of this rare and endangered snake species, with a focus on its reproductive biology and habitat requirements. Zagreb Zoo has played a key role in the project by conducting research on juvenile development and creating an educational exhibition to raise public awareness about the ecological importance of snakes. These combined efforts contribute to the ongoing monitoring and long-term conservation of the Meadow Viper in Croatia’s high mountain regions.