IUCN SSC Viper Specialist Group
Promoting a World Where Vipers and People Thrive
Photo by Scott Trageser

We work towards a better understanding and protection of vipers. By bringing together an international community of snake biologists and experts, we aim to create a united strong voice for viper conservation instead of individual initiatives.
INCREASING KNOWLEDGE
ABOUT VIPERS
ABOUT VIPERS
Increasing knowledge about vipers

Conserving Species and Increasing Scientific Knowledge
The IUCN Viper Specialist Group (VSG) works at enhancing conservation action, education and awareness. Scientific research and public outreach are two of our priorities to ensure conservation strategies work for wildlife and people.

Promoting International Cooperation
From the Americas to Asia, VSG connects together specialists around the world. Our goal is to increase communication among scientists and create a global network of viper conservation specialists able to share their knowledge easily.
ASSESSING VIPER species status
One important mission of the Viper Specialist Group is to conduct status assessments for vipers to be included in the IUCN Red List. Our responsibility is to facilitate assessments for all the world’s vipers. In addition to this work, we have also created the first global analysis of conservation priorities for vipers which defines diversity hotspots and identifies individual priority species.
Learning HOw to live with Vipers
Vipers are fascinating animals with important ecological roles that are unfortunately too often demonized. However, some viper species do represent important human health issues. Learning about them can help understand their intrinsic value and their right to live in nature, and at the same time lessen the risk of snakebite.




Viper Specialist Group's
Latest news
IUCN Red List update includes 107 new and updated viper assessments
The December 2021 update to the IUCN Red List was an important occasion for viper conservation, as 107 species were either added or had updated assessments to the red list. This effort, part of the Global Reptile assessment, means that for the first time, nearly all viper species have been assessed. Currently, the only viper …
IUCN Red List update includes 107 new and updated viper assessments Read More »
New cover article on conservation planning for the endangered Greek Meadow Viper
In the May 2021 issue of the Oryx – the International Journal of Conservation, a team of VSG researchers published an analysis to identify priority habitat for the endangered Greek Meadow Viper (Vipera graeca). The article, which included a cover image of the viper, predicted that future habitat alteration and climate change will have severe …
New cover article on conservation planning for the endangered Greek Meadow Viper Read More »
Abu Dhabi Call for Global Species Conservation Action
The members of our group are working on several conservation projects around the world and have been getting exciting results on this front in many countries. We will update this page with news as soon as they are generated. For now, an important document for anyone interested in the conservation of species in our time, …
Abu Dhabi Call for Global Species Conservation Action Read More »