Fieldwork.

Our project is a continuation of the research of Karst Viper (Vipera ursinii macrops), which is endemic to the Balkans. This viper, which is the most endangered and the smallest in Europe, lives only in high-mountain meadows, and there are many threats to its existence.

With our first project we researched all the mountains in Montenegrin south region. Now we plan to research key mountains in central and north part of Montenegro, especially cross-border mountains of regional importance such as Prokletije, Orjen, Njegos, Golija and Komovi. Because of the complexity of this situation, we formed a team of herpetologists, entomologists and botanists. Cooperation with regional NGOs that deals with environmental research and protection, as well as, individual environmentalist was also made. This was necessary for making detail research of all potential habitats, its characteristics and evaluation of the quality and the vulnerability of habitats. Every found individual will be carefully measured, marked and pictured. Considering that, by newest molecular research, Karst Viper is divided in two ‘clades’, we will also take DNA samples for DNA research of Montenegrin populations.

One of the best ways of preserving Karst Viper is educating people about its importance to Montenegro and Europe. This year we prepared many educational programs, especially for the youngest and open public lectures where we will give rewards containing motives of Karst Viper. We are, also, currently preparing a book-let, which will contain all information about Karst Viper, its habitats, the importance of this endemic species, and what every average citizen can do to preserve it.

One of our goals is making an action plan, for Karst Viper protection, and management plan for the protection of high-mountain meadows. Our main objective is legal protection of this species and its habitats.