Six years of coordinated conservation work came to an end in 2026. Through habitat restoration, captive breeding, reintroduction, research and public awareness activities, the LIFE project “Viability improvement of Hungarian Meadow Viper populations and habitats in the Pannonian region” supported the survival of one of Hungary’s most endangered vertebrate species. Between 2019 and 2026, a total of 38 conservation measures were implemented to improve the status of the species and its habitats.
One of the project’s most important achievements was the increase in the estimated extent of suitable habitat for the Hungarian Meadow Viper from 3,000 to 7,000 hectares. Across the project sites, grasslands were restored, invasive plant species were controlled, more nature-friendly grassland management was introduced in several areas, and predator-exclusion zones were established. To mitigate the effects of habitat desiccation, 23 seasonal marsh pools were created, while at Bugac a 20-hectare ecological corridor now connects previously isolated areas of steppe grassland. These interventions improved conditions not only for the Hungarian Meadow Viper, but also for many other plant and animal species associated with grassland and wetland habitats.
The capacity of the Hungarian Meadow Viper Conservation Centre was also significantly expanded. The number of outdoor terrariums increased from 110 to 196, while 140 new indoor terrariums were constructed, increasing the number of snakes housed at the Centre from approximately 700 to 1,400. During the six-year project period, 2,517 Hungarian Meadow Vipers were born, around 1,500 individuals underwent genetic testing, and the complete genome of the species was mapped. Improved breeding conditions and the preparation of new release sites made it possible to expand the reintroduction programme considerably: during the project, 638 Hungarian Meadow Vipers bred at the Centre were released into the wild.
Releases took place at 15 sites within Duna–Ipoly, Fertő–Hanság and Kiskunság National Parks, including five new habitats. The released animals were monitored through regular field surveys, individual photographic identification, camera-trap systems and radio telemetry. A total of 1,023 observation events were recorded during the project, and the observed animal was individually identified on 955 occasions. Monitoring was supported by 30 cameras operating at 15 sites, while 44 snakes selected for reintroduction were fitted with radio transmitters.
The project also placed particular emphasis on dispelling misconceptions about the Hungarian Meadow Viper and strengthening public acceptance of the species. The project’s message reached at least 60,000 people through more than 200 events, while the Hungarian Meadow Viper Conservation Centre welcomed over 2,500 visitors. A total of 26 information boards were installed across Hungary, the educational nature trail at the Centre was renewed, and six films were produced about the activities carried out during the project.
Although the project has concluded, the conservation work continues. The project partners will continue to manage the restored habitats, maintain the breeding and reintroduction programmes, and monitor wild populations. The experience gained through the species conservation programme, which has been running since 2004, together with the expanded breeding capacity, restored habitats and cooperation among conservation professionals, researchers, land managers and local communities, provides a strong foundation for the long-term survival of the Hungarian Meadow Viper. The knowledge and practical experience acquired during the project, as well as the national and international professional networks established, may also pave the way for new collaborations and contribute to other species conservation programmes in Hungary and abroad.
The project was implemented with the support of the European Union’s LIFE Nature programme.
The public Layman’s Report summarising the project results is available [HERE], while the After-LIFE Conservation Plan outlining the nature conservation measures to be implemented over the next five years can be found [HERE].
Photos: Márton Árvay, Anna Egerer, Csenge Gulyás, Bálint Halpern, Árpád Kurucz, Borbála Major, Viktória Kiss
