RECENT DISCOVERIES AND RESEARCH
The field of study on pit vipers is constantly evolving. While much information has been presented on these intriguing snakes, there are still many aspects of this species that have yet to be fully understood. Further, it seems as if there are still species of pit vipers out there that have yet to be discovered. Please feel free to visit the links below to see some of the exciting changes that are going on in the world of pit vipers!
(Black Tailed Rattlesnake--Crotalus molossus--Courtesy of Snake Pictures)
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This past summer, a new species of pit viper was discovered in China. So far, it is the world's smallest pit viper!
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In March of 2011, an arboreal species called the Ruby-Eyed pit viper was discovered in South East Asia. Check out this article!
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Professor Michael Grace of the Florida Institute of Technology has earned a grant to work on the mechanisms of infrared imaging in pit vipers. One aspect of his study will be to train pit vipers to perform tasks in response to infrared stimuli. Click the following link for more details on this novel study.
http://thestickytongue.org/2011/03/09/nsf-grant-for-infrared-imaging-in-pit-vipers/
- While most people fear snakes, some may have the potential to save your life. The Malayan pit viper's venom has now been put to use in pharmaceuticals.
http://www.besthealthsecret.com/snake-whose-venom-is-used-in-medicine/