More about the Specialist Group

The VSG’s main role is to bring together global experts to address information gaps in viper knowledge, identify the most important conservation priorities, and promote assessment and action for individual species. Vipers are rarely considered as focal flagship species at national and international levels, therefore much of viper research and conservation occurs through local projects or initiatives. The VSG helps provide a network among these local projects and conservationists with the goal of improving global conservation effort for vipers in general.

In addition to assisting with assessment of viper species for the IUCN Red List, VSG members work on improving distribution and population data for vipers, updating the taxonomic consensus for vipers, and launching task teams to address viper threats such as illegal trade, persecution, and habitat protection, providing resources to help reduce the prevalence of snakebite and promoting successful viper conservation through recognizing priority conservation areas, outreach, and considering roles for ex-situ conservation.