Herpetological Monitoring
A new year brings fresh opportunities, new students, and exciting research projects. One area we aim to expand at the station is herpetology—the study of reptiles and amphibians. Two dedicated young researchers, Alex and Lauren, are conducting herpetological surveys within the reserve.
Our trail system has been divided into six 600-meter transects, where all encountered frogs, lizards, and snakes are identified and measured. This research helps expand our knowledge of understudied species while providing insights into species composition and population dynamics.
The Rich Herpetofauna of the Chocó
The Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena Biodiversity Hotspot, where UPDC is located, is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. This incredible diversity extends to amphibians and reptiles. The Andes act as a geographical barrier between the Amazon Basin and the Chocó, leading to a fascinating array of convergently evolved species.
The species found in this region are markedly different from those inhabiting the Ecuadorian Amazon to the east. The altitude and ecological conditions of the Ecuadorian Chocó contribute to a high level of endemism. However, habitat loss poses a significant threat to many of these unique species.
Viper Research: Understanding Risk and Behavior
In addition to surveying the entire herpetofauna of the reserve, our research places a special focus on viper abundance and anti-predatory behavior. While a detailed exploration of behavioral studies will be covered in a future post, we want to highlight the importance of our research in mitigating human-snake conflict.
Why Study Vipers?
Reducing snakebite incidents in high-risk areas like Ecuador requires more than just research on venom and antivenom. Understanding when, where, and why snakebites occur is equally crucial. Our research seeks to identify high-risk areas and periods through habitat structure analysis and population monitoring.
A Look at the Data
For those interested in the epidemiology of snakebites in Ecuador, we recommend reading Viperidae snakebites in Ecuador: A review of epidemiological and ecological aspects (Ochoa-Avilés et al., 2020).
Key statistics (2014–2019):
Snakebite incidence: 7.7–11 cases per 100,000 inhabitants annually
Mortality rate: 0.03–0.10 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants annually
Most incidents occur in: Amazonian and coastal regions
How Can Research Help?
Identifying high-risk areas involves analyzing habitat structure and population dynamics. In tropical rainforests, Bothrops asper accounts for 45.5–100% of reported snakebites due to its resilience to human disturbance. Other dangerous vipers in the reserve include Lachesis acrochorda and Bothrops osbornei, both of which possess highly potent venom.
To better understand who is most at risk and when, we are using a mark-recapture model to monitor viper populations. By tagging individuals and tracking their encounters, we estimate population sizes and study life history events such as reproduction.
An Example: The Risk of Juvenile Vipers
A common belief is that juvenile vipers are more likely to strike and less inclined to deliver dry bites. This could pose a significant risk to agricultural workers in rural areas where medical care is scarce. By estimating population sizes and monitoring demographic fluctuations, we can identify peak juvenile periods and help mitigate snakebite risks.
For instance, if our data shows an increase in juvenile vipers during specific months, we can educate farmers and laborers to exercise caution, reinforce safety measures (such as wearing rubber boots), and improve the availability of antivenom in affected areas.
To test the hypothesis that juveniles are more prone to striking, we are conducting a behavioral simulation study—more details to come in an upcoming post!
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