Congratulations to the recipient of our 2020 (fiscal year 2021) Venomous Reptile Conservation Grant! The Rattlesnake Conservancy will be providing $5,000 to fund a project by the Gonzalez Laboratory to study the Northeastern Rattlesnake, Crotalus durissus cascavella, in rural Northeastern Brazil. Although Crotalus durissus cascavella is taxonomically invalid, The Rattlesnake Conservancy believes conservation of distinct populations of rattlesnake species is important.

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We are thrilled to fund this study, since very little is known about this subspecies of South American rattlesnake. Dr. Gonzalez and his team will be determining average  home range sizes, microhabitat selection, and behavioral responses of wild rattlesnakes.

 

This project will also focus on human dynamics of rattlesnake conservation by gathering data on local snakebites and providing educational workshops. The Rattlesnake Conservancy will work with Dr. Gonzalez and his team to deliver information consistent with our mission and teach locals how to identify local venomous and nonvenomous snakes. As part of the outreach programs, Dr. Gonzalez and his team will provide locals with equipment to assist with capture and relocation of venomous snakes.