We have also received the arrival of another couple of nocturnal snakes of the species Pareas carinatus.
At Terra Natura Benidorm we have just incorporated into our facilities two horned vipers (Protobothrops cornutus), which had been seized by the State security forces. It is a kind of poisonous viper of Asian origin. The herpetology team of the park has transferred this couple to their new terrarium so visitors can see.
Those horned vipers, upon arrival, were subjected to close supervision by specialists to control their adaptation and confirm that they were in perfect health. It is expected that this species will be part of the group of snakes that participate in the study on poisons and antidotes, developed by the Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia (CSIC) and the National Natural Toxins Research Centre of Texas (USA), where we have been collaborating with for a few years.
The herpetologist of the park has been in charge of carrying out a visual examination and a stool analysis to verify that they did not present any health problems. During the visual examination it was checked that they did not have any retention of moult, in order to ensure that their skin had a smooth appearance and was well hydrated as these signs denote the good state of health.
The horned viper terrarium has been carefully designed according to the climatic and environmental conditions of its ecosystem. Its installation will be located in Pangea, in the world of venom exhibition where there are more than 40 different species of reptiles and snakes, among other poisonous species.
Arrival of another couple of snakes
On the other hand, a couple of snakes of the Pareas carinatus species has also arrived. This snake is not poisonous, and eats snails. This species is a natural vector to control snail pests in the wild environments where it usually lives. Its activity takes place mainly at night.