The training provides tools to preserve and catalogue biological samples for research, as well as the development of future antidotes and biomedical applications.

Terra Natura Benidorm recently completed specialist training in venom lyophilisation at the Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia (IBV-CSIC), as part of a scientific collaboration with the Laboratory of Evolutionary and Translational Venomics. This advanced biological preservation technique allows the conservation of venoms from various snake species for identification and use in scientific research.

The training was attended by our herpetologist David Martí and curator-biologist Elisa Gozálbes, both from Terra Natura Benidorm, and was conducted in collaboration with the laboratory under the supervision of its director, Teacher Juan J. Calvete.

The main objective of the training was to equip our team with the knowledge and tools needed to preserve and identify venoms from different snake species, taking into account that venom composition can vary depending on factors such as the snake’s age and geographic origin. Accurate identification is essential for proper cataloguing and subsequent application in scientific studies.

During the session, our staff received hands-on training in rapid-freezing and venom lyophilisation processes. Unlike liquid venom, which quickly loses its proteins and active components, lyophilised venom can be stored as a dry powder for years without losing its properties, making it a highly valuable resource for research.

Thanks to this initiative, Terra Natura Benidorm is advancing the creation of a biological venom sample bank to support research projects led by universities and scientific centres. These samples can be used in studies related to oncology, neuroscience, and other biomedical fields, as well as in the development of potential treatments and medicines.

David Martí, herpetologist at Terra Natura Benidorm, highlighted the importance of this training for the park’s scientific progress:

“Working with venoms requires precision and highly specialised knowledge. Lyophilisation allows us to preserve these samples under optimal conditions for long periods, which is essential for rigorous study. This type of training places us in a privileged position to collaborate with researchers and contribute directly to the development of future treatments and antidotes.”

Through this initiative, Terra Natura Benidorm strengthens its role as a collaborator in applied scientific research, reinforcing its partnership with the IBV-CSIC Venomics Laboratory and the academic community, while reaffirming its commitment to biodiversity conservation and the transfer of scientific knowledge.