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Experts from Terra Natura,  Benidorm, are attempting to breed the albino rattlesnake (Cotalus atrox) in captivity.  This species, considered to be the most venomous snake in North America is threatened with extinction due to the use of its skin in the leather trade and the use of its body in the cosmetic industry.albinorattlesnake

The procedure began by progressively decreasing the temperature in the enclosures over several months until the temperature reaches 20 degrees centigrade.  During this period the male and female are kept apart,  as in the wild they would only come together to mate.  This process stimulates the pair in preparation for reproduction.   The temperature is then increased to 28 – 30 degrees and the pair meet face to face.  .

When the male detects the female’s presence by smell it needs to convince the female to accept it as a mate.  It does this by sending spasms and vibrations through the female’s body until she responds and accepts him.  When they eventually mate they remain together for several hours before separating.

Experts then remove the male rattlesnake for a few days so he cannot smell the female and then reunite them again.  During this second meeting the male is able to detect whether the female is pregnant and depending on this will either mate again or lose interest.   

This species is ovoviviparous, meaning that the eggs mature inside the mother, and she gives birth to them when they are ready to hatch.

This pair of rattlesnakes are Albino so their young will be born with a lack of pigmentation.  If all has gone to plan the young will be born in approximately six months and Terra Natura will have successfully bred this species in captivity.

Terra Natura has another rattlesnake with normal pigmentation.   The rattlesnake is characterized by its dark colour with a lighter diamond shaped pattern and ringed tail in black and white.  The two albino snakes in Benidorm do not have this dark pigmentation which is unusual,  making them rather special.

 

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