Hello,
A while ago I posted in the Vipers forum about this species but not a lot of people reads that so hear we go...
There is a small city on the northeast corner of beautiful Turkey called Artvin. It is right by Georgia border (country not state 
) and it is at the south of the Black Sea. Through this city goes a small river called Çoruh (Choruh)and by this river lives a species of viper called Vipera pontica(Choruh Viper).
Unfortunately due to habitat destruction and Turkish ignorance against "dangerous" animals, they are almost lost. (50 or so breeding pairs??) As a Turkish reptile enthusiast, I do not want to lose this treasure like the Anatolian Panther (Panthera pardus tulliana) or many others we have lost.
Turkish government is trying to protect the species. They have outlawed catching/killing/exporting. Even though the penalty is comical, locals still would not want to do anything bad to them where authorities are present. However ignorance is this viper's biggest enemy. For most Turks, all snakes are venomous and "are out to get them" so they are killed on sight. I spent my summer holidays in Turkey and educate as many as I can but it is a difficult job and government has to step in for this to be effective.
I am attaching a couple pictures. I got them from a friend that reached me through this site.
If there are any V.pontica in captive collections I would love to learn about them and would love to be a part of any breeding attempt. And lets keep this species in our minds and hearts. Hopefully they will stay with us forever...
Vipera pontica
ps: I have the scientific paper for this species, too. If you would like to read, e mail me @ m.yasincakmak@gmail.com
ps2: Thanks to Guram for the pictures.
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We are the best GALATASARAY
