Notes on captive reproduction in Echis colorata (Serpentes: viperidae)
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Published source details
Goode M. (1979) Notes on captive reproduction in Echis colorata (Serpentes: viperidae). Herpetological Review, 10, 94.
Published source details Goode M. (1979) Notes on captive reproduction in Echis colorata (Serpentes: viperidae). Herpetological Review, 10, 94.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Breed reptiles in captivity: Snakes – Vipers Action Link |
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Breed reptiles in captivity: Snakes – Vipers
A study in 1969–1978 at Columbus Zoo, Ohio, USA (Goode 1979) reported that two generations of Palestine saw-scaled vipers Echis coloratus bred successfully in captivity. After not reproducing for two years, a female produced seven clutches of 5–12 eggs over seven years. Three females from the first of these clutches (hatched in 1971) went on to produce a total of four clutches of 1–9 eggs over three years. In total, 49 of 72 eggs hatched successfully, with an average hatching success/clutch of 64%, though three hatchlings died within 24 hours of emergence. Six clutches also contained 1–3 infertile egg masses. In 1964–1968, a pair of snakes was acquired and in 1969 they were placed together. The original pair were housed in a display cage (68 x 56 x 52 cm), and offspring were housed individually and then combined into groups during the spring in aquaria of various sizes.
(Summarised by: William Morgan)
