One of the lesser-known Wildlife SOS projects that has been quietly advancing over the years focuses on the conservation of Levantine vipers in the Kashmir region. To shed light on this important work, we spoke with Thomas Sharp, a wildlife biologist with Wildlife SOS, about the organization’s research, rescue efforts, and long-term conservation goals for this remarkable species.
The Wildlife SOS team in Kashmir has been working to conserve Levantine vipers in the area. How did this project begin?
Wildlife SOS operates an emergency wildlife rescue program in Kashmir that responds to calls involving a wide range of species—including snakes, and specifically Levantine vipers. When a viper is found in or around human habitation, such as a home or yard, our team safely rescues it and relocates it to protected habitat away from human settlements.
Through these rescue efforts, we began encountering Levantine vipers more frequently, which sparked a deeper interest in understanding and conserving the species.
Can you tell us more about Levantine vipers? What makes them unique?
Levantine vipers, also known as blunt-nosed vipers (genus Macrovipera), belong to the family Viperidae. There are currently three recognized species within this group: the Levantine viper (M. lebetina), which is the largest; Razi’s viper (M. razii), found only in Iran; and the Milos viper (M. schweizeri), restricted to the Cycladic islands of Greece.
The Levantine viper has a particularly wide distribution, ranging from the Mediterranean region through Central Asia and into northwestern India. Because of this broad range, there is ongoing scientific debate about its taxonomy. While five subspecies are currently recognized, the population found in India (M. l. obtusa) may represent a distinct subspecies—or even a separate species—due to differences in coloration and unique head scale patterns.
What is Wildlife SOS doing to help conserve Levantine vipers?
Our work goes beyond rescue and relocation. We are actively studying Levantine vipers to better understand their habitat requirements, behavior, and the threats they face. This knowledge allows us to develop strategies to mitigate those threats and support stable populations in the wild.
We are also conducting research on their home ranges and movement patterns using VHF radio telemetry. This is the first study of its kind focused on the Indian population of Levantine vipers, and it has already provided valuable insights into how these snakes use the landscape.
What have you learned so far from studying them?
We’ve found that Levantine vipers prefer semi-open, rocky scrub habitats. These environments allow them to thermoregulate effectively while remaining partially concealed from predators such as birds of prey.
These habitats also support abundant prey, including small mammals and lizards, making them ideal hunting grounds for the species.
What would you still like to learn about them?
One of our key goals is to better understand population size and density in the Kashmir region. However, conducting this type of study is extremely challenging and may take years to accomplish.
Since these snakes are venomous, what precautions do you take when working with them?
Levantine vipers must always be handled with great care. Their venom is both hemotoxic and cytotoxic, meaning it can damage blood and tissue, and bites can be fatal.
During rescues or when fitting tracking devices, we use specialized handling techniques to ensure safety. For example, when attaching VHF transmitters, the snake is carefully guided into a secure tube that restricts movement and prevents it from striking.
What are the biggest challenges facing their conservation?
Like many wildlife species, habitat loss is one of the greatest threats. Expanding human development—such as housing and infrastructure—continues to encroach on their natural habitats.
By improving our understanding of their habitat needs, we hope to identify and protect critical areas that are essential for their survival.
Is there anything else you’d like people to know about Levantine vipers?
They are truly beautiful animals. Their coloration blends seamlessly into their surroundings, providing excellent camouflage from predators. They also have a broad, triangular head that is striking and distinctive—even among vipers.
As Wildlife SOS continues its work in Kashmir, the Levantine viper stands as a powerful reminder that even the most misunderstood species play a vital role in their ecosystems. Through rescue, research, and community awareness, this project is helping to shift perceptions—from fear to understanding—while building a foundation for long-term conservation. Protecting these remarkable snakes ultimately means protecting the delicate balance of the landscapes they inhabit, ensuring that both wildlife and people can coexist more safely into the future.
