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Venomous snake husbandry in Thailand
L Chanhome1, P Jintakune, H Wilde
1Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand. trclch@md2.md.chula.ac.th
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine
|April 11, 2001
Summary
A captive breeding program for venomous Thai snakes was initiated to ensure a reliable venom supply for antivenom production. Early success with two species shows promise for future antivenom development.
Area of Science:
- Herpetology
- Zoology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Antivenom production relies on a consistent supply of venom from venomous snakes.
- Wild-caught snakes pose challenges for sustainable venom sourcing due to population and health variability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a captive breeding program for venomous Thai snakes.
- To ensure a stable, healthy, and species-confirmed source of snake venom for antivenom production.
Main Methods:
- Wild-caught venomous Thai snakes were collected, sexed, quarantined, and housed.
- Data on breeding success were collected from 1994 to 1997.
Main Results:
- Two venomous snake species were successfully bred in captivity during the study period.
- The program secured a source of species-confirmed venom for antivenom production.
Conclusions:
- The initial phase of the captive breeding program demonstrated encouraging success.
- Further efforts are needed to achieve captive breeding for all target species and subspecies.