Kenya to step up efforts to save rare snakes from extinction

Kenya said on Tuesday that it will step up efforts to save the snake species of Mount Kenya Bush Viper and Kenya Horned Viper from extinction, the wildlife regulator said on Tuesday.

Solomon Kyalo, Head of Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) told Xinhua in Nairobi that there is an expanding market for the two snakes in the international pet trade.

"As a result we are seeking an international restriction in the trade on the two snake species in order to save the species from extinction," Kyalo said.

He added that the two snake species are only found in Kenya and are very valuable to collectors.

"Our research indicates that the key market is in Europe where buyers are willing to pay up to 6,000 euros for a pair of the snakes," Kyalo said.

Kenya's wildlife laws restrict trade in the species but there are no international laws that outlaw its trade across borders.

"It is currently very difficult for Kenya to monitor trade in the snake species without the help of the international community," he said.

The population of the reptiles are also affected as its natural habitats are diminishing due to human activities such as agriculture.

KWS said that the two snake species are also difficult to breed in captivity and hence their numbers can only expand in the wild. Endit