The reptile facility at Terra Natura Benidorm has been very active this year. We recently witnessed a male and two female horned rattlesnakes (Crotalus cerastes) courting, which signals the beginning of new births and reaffirms the park’s dedication to the preservation and research of this desert species.

There are many interesting aspects to courtship, which culminates in copulation, which can take anywhere from three hours to a day. Males detect pheromones that identify the presence of females. The snakes align and unite their cloacae during mating, which enables the male to use one of his hemipenis to deposit sperm into the female.

Our team of experts estimate that there is a better than 95% likelihood that courtship will result in new offspring, even though these snakes are quite old. However, growing older can decrease the size of the litter and increase the likelihood of infectious eggs. After a six-month gestation period, horned rattlesnakes can, in ideal circumstances, give birth from six to sixteen fully grown, independent young.

This reproductive event is particularly important for genetic purposes of this species, which is threatened by illegal trade, habitat degradation, and human persecution.

The horned rattlesnake
An iconic species of North American deserts, horned rattlesnakes are distinguished by their lateral movement, a special adaption that reduces contact with heated sand. These snakes can grow up to 50 cm in length as adults, and they have a rattle made of keratin rings that they utilise to warn off potential predators.

Although a bite from this snake needs quick medical attention, this species has no reported fatalities despite its hemotoxic venom, which can harm tissue and organs. Furthermore, this species’ males compete in a dance-fight ritual for females, a natural spectacle that underlines the complexity of their behaviour.

Terra Natura Benidorm hosts instructive talks every weekend at the Volcano, located in the entrance of the park, where visitors can learn more about horned rattlesnakes and their significance in desert ecosystems. These events provide a rare opportunity to see these animals up close in addition to attempting to increase public awareness of biodiversity conservation.

In addition to reaffirming our dedication to conservation and environmental education, this courtship event highlights the significance of contemporary zoos as facilities for the care and protection of endangered species.