The rattlesnake conservancy requests a recovery challenge grant to support conservation and recovery for the newmexico ridge-nosed rattlesnake (rattlesnake), a federally listed species known from only…

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded a $1,404,411.78 Cooperative Agreement under the Endangered Species Recovery Implementation program (CFDA 15.657) to The Rattlesnake Conservancy Inc. on November 15, 2023. The purpose of the award is to support conservation and recovery efforts for the New Mexico Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake, a federally listed endangered species found in only three locations in the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico. Key activities to be conducted under the award include: studying environmental factors important to the rattlesnake, searching for additional populations, capturing rattlesnakes for captive breeding, translocating rattlesnakes to an area where they are declining, and developing public education and outreach materials. The project will run through December 31, 2026 and is expected to increase knowledge about the biology, conservation, and recovery needs of this rare rattlesnake.

The rattlesnake conservancy requests a recovery challenge grant to support conservation and recovery for the newmexico ridge-nosed rattlesnake (rattlesnake), a federally listed species known from only three locations (two inthe united states, one in mexico). This rare rattlesnake lives in high elevation mountains in the southwesternunited states and northwestern mexico, near the junction of the borders of the states of arizona, new mexico, chihuahua, and sonora. The three populations are declining due to threats from droughts and wildfires. Thisproject will help rattlesnakes by 1) studying environmental factors important to the rattlesnake (includingtemperature and humidity) across areas where the rattlesnake lives, 2) helping to continue efforts to find morerattlesnakes within and near areas where they have been previously found, 3) capturing rattlesnakes so they canbe bred in captivity at zoos, 4) moving rattlesnakes to one area in the US where rattlesnakes appear to bedeclining, and 5) providing more information about this rattlesnake to the public. During and upon completingthe project, the rattlesnake conservancy will work with partners to produce scientific articles, reports, andeducational material for the public that will highlight the biology, conservation, and recovery efforts for thespecies. The rattlesnake conservancy will also work with ZOO partners to include rattlesnakes in exhibits whenavailable and possible, so that members of the public can see and learn more about rattlesnakes. This projectwill result in increased knowledge of the rattlesnake for biologists, scientists, land managers, state andfederal elected leaders, and members of the public.