Proyecto Terciopelo

  Introduction

          This project began in 2004, an international collaborative effort between myself and Dr. Mahmood Sasa (a professor at the University of Costa Rica), with assistance from many others.  Our overreaching goal was to investigate and document the natural history and ecology of Bothrops asper, a species that has been the subject of much notoriety and folklore, but very little scientific attention.  We believe that in studying various aspects of B. asper’s biology, we can begin to understand its role in tropical ecosystems, and dispel much of the fear and misinformation surrounding the species.  In determining where, when, and why these snakes are most likely to be active, we also hope to increase public awareness and reduce the threat of snakebite to humans.

Bothrops asper coiled in ambush The fer-de-lance or terciopelo is a large tropical pitviper, with a mean size of 1.6m (5¼ feet), females being much larger than males.  Pitvipers are a subfamily (Crotalinae) of the vipers, Family Viperidae, and include the rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, copperheads, hognosed vipers, jumping vipers, palm vipers, and bushmasters.  All pitvipers are characterized by the presence of facial pits, a heat-sensitive organ used to detect prey.  Like many pitvipers, the terciopelo is a sit-and-wait predator, using its cryptic coloration to ambush passing prey.   Bothrops asper ranges from northeastern Mexico through Colombia and Ecuador, and is largely ubiquitous throughout its range, occurring in both wet and dry regions, high and low elevations, and in primary forest to areas of high disturbance and human activity.  It is also very prolific, having a litter size of up to 86 young; as such, it is often one of the more abundant snake species in many ecosystems.
A 5-foot fer-de-lance with 1-inch fangs           The terciopelo also has a highly potent venom, and is responsible for many snakebites to humans each year in Central America (primarily to farmers and fieldworkers), more than any other tropical snake.  Fortunately, treatment in Costa Rica is very good, and fatalities are quite rare.  Despite its relevance to human health, very little data exists on the behavior, movements, or habitat usage of the species in the wild.

The majority of our study was conducted at La Selva Biological Station, operated by the Organization for Tropical Studies and located in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, Costa Rica.  With 4000mm average annual rainfall and at 37-130m elevation, the reserve encompasses lowland tropical wet forest and premontane wet forest, with some abandoned plantations and developed areas.  The 1600ha reserve consists of 73% primary tropical rainforest with some disturbed sites, and is contiguous with the 46,000ha Braulio Carrillo National Park.  Among the many advantages of conducting this study at La Selva are extensive laboratory and animal-care facilities, well-maintained trail network, GIS-coordinate grid system, and a long, well-documented history of ecological research.

Funding

        This project was made possible through generous fellowships, grants, and awards from the University of Miami, Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Organization for Tropical Studies, and The American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists.  Thanks to everyone who has contributed their support!