Conservation Status of the Lance Head Rattlesnake (Crotalus polystictus) of Aguascalientes México

Eloy, Gustavo

eloyhouse@gmail.com

Armas, Zavala

Najil Kaan Herpetarium

Aguascalientes, Ags, México

The populations of Lance Head Rattlesnakes (Crotalus polystictus) in the state of Aguascalientes, México are extremely fragmented and insufficiently studied due to the damage that their ecosystems have suffered. Also, these populations lack formal protection. The objective of this project is to try to conserve the species in the state of Aguascalientes with both reproduction and ex situ conservation. Snakes for this project were acquired in the aforementioned area, as well as specimens that were found and rescued by locals. These specimens were transferred to Najil Kaan Herpetarium where they went through respective medical examinations and were quarantined. They were subsequently placed in ex situ conditions such as those to simulate their native habitat. These natural conditions help to stimulate their natural behavior culminating with the reproduction in captivity. With this project the successful reproduction of the species has been achieved on one occasion, resulting in two viable offspring. We hope to reintroduce those offspring into a protected area within their locality. We consider ex situ conservation and reproduction very important to this and many other species of reptiles and amphibians. These species will require assistance and intervention for their preservation; we ourselves are the ones who have brought them to the brink of extinction.