Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My wildlife center (The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm) received a grant to develop a new program about Crotaline conservation education for middle school students. As part of this education program we are also going to build a new public rattlesnake display to show their beauty, diversity and importance in the environment and hopefully dispel the many myths about these misunderstood creatures. Following is a list of rattlesnakes that we currently have in our collection (or will be obtaining w/in the next week). BUT, I would like to hear if there are some not on the following list that should be (either due to their rarity, beauty or uniqueness). High on our wish list are willardi and unicolor....any others? We are primarily focusing on North American species but will consider those from Central/South America.

Here is our current inventory:
- Eastern Diamondback
- Western Diamondback
- Red Diamondback
- Timber
- Easter Massasauga
- Banded Rock
- lutosis
- viridis
- molossus
- Sidewinder
- Tiger
- Speckled
- Cerbs
- sculatus
- C. durrisus durrisus
- North & South Pacific

Any others?

Thanks,

Rob Carmichael, Curator
THe Wildlife Discovery Center
City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation, IL

n/p

Mr.Carmichael,

Two favorites of mine that are not listed are Crotalus pricei and Sistrurus miliarius ssp.

Tom Eason

Great suggestions. We are actually looking for a real nice red pygmy but I like like your suggestion about a pricei; thanks, Rob

My vote would be for one of my faves..the little midget-concolor.
Best...
Jim

Thanks Jim, yes, I would have to agree with you...concolors are indeed fascinating crotalines and one I would love to have on display....but boy are they hard to locate in terms of other folks keeping them. Ever since reading Carl Kauffeld's adventures in looking for them, I've always been interested in them. Rob

...willardi is a prime candidate for conservation awareness.

you're reading my mind Matt...willardi is at the TOP of our wish list. I've seen a few available but we are hoping to find a zoo who can assist in a specimen loan....but if you see any, please pass them on to me. Thanks, Rob

I don't know if it helps, but the places I would contact would be:

1) AZ-Sonoran Desert Museum
2) Bob @ Int'l. Reptile Museum in Albuquerque
3) Staten Island (they had willardi there about 4 years ago, when I was there---they may be more willing to loan them).

hmmm, that's all I know. I've seen a few in private collections(legal too) but I doubt they'd be willing to loan them, they most likely would want to sell them.

I believe the Memphis Zoo has a willardi willardi breeding program going. I may be wrong but a phone call couldnt hurt.

Tom

Thanks Matt and Tom,

I only had one of those institutions on my list so I appreciate the leads. I am visiting Bob's place this coming summer and look forward to seeing how he has his place set up. Rob

Rob:

I'm going to be at the Biology of Rattlesnakes Symposium in a few weeks. I can't think of a better place to ask around for you than there. All of the top Rattlesnake researchers will be there for 3 days of nothing but rattlesnakes!

Cheers!

Al
Biology of Rattlesnakes

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Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

I was scheduled to speak/present there, however, due to some work conflicts, I am unable to break free so I will have to wait until next year. I will be at the IHS in Phoenix and hope to pick some folks' brains. If you come back with any good information that would be helpful for our display, I would greatly appreciate anything you can provide (info, sources for captive rattlers, research, personal contacts, etc.). Have fun; it is going to be an incredible event and one I will sorely miss.

Rob Carmichael

You might also try the Central Florida Zoo.
They used to have a beautiful pair of willardi on display.
It has been some time since I have been able to get down there so I am not sure that they still have them but if not, they will know where they sent them.
Denver Zoo also has willardi on display.
Karl H. Betz

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n/m

alright, so my latin terminology aint the greatest, but I enjoy seeing Mojave's when I get the chance. So if they arn't on your list, then that is my suggestion