Within a few weeks, I’ll finally be flying to Armenia to do my mountain viper conservation fieldwork as a Conservation Nation Emerging Conservationist. After several delays, almost everything is finally in place for this trip to become a reality: I’ve bought my tickets, booked my lodging, and figured out my transportation. Planning fieldwork on the other side of the planet is no easy task—we had to plan this trip with collaborators from 4 institutions during a global pandemic in a region currently affected by an ongoing war. By no means has this process been a walk in the park!
In partnership with the St. Louis Zoo Wildcare Institute Center for Conservation (WICC) in Western Asia, we originally planned this trip for spring 2022. However, it was subject to various delays, including staffing issues within the WICC and the Russia-Ukraine conflict—the latter creating cause for concern due to Armenia’s complex relationship with Russia. Ultimately, we pushed the trip back to fall 2022. Viper fieldwork in this area during the fall creates some issues, with snakes being more plentiful in the spring. The last time researchers conducted viper surveys during the fall was in 2010, so the data we collect during this trip will be vital for an accurate population assessment.Â
With the previously mentioned shift in dates, our itinerary for the trip has also changed. For instance, our new timeline will not allow us to bring some of our veterinary staff from the St. Louis Zoo to assist with a hematology study and to attend some veterinary-focused workshops. With these goals pushed to next season, we will focus on surveying viper populations at various sites.
At this point, I have made almost all of the preparations for this trip. I have purchased the items necessary for fieldwork, such as a suitable snake hook and tongs for safely working with potentially dangerous snakes. We have also set a rough daily itinerary to include what field sites we will visit and when. However, despite our best planning, the weather will ultimately be the main factor in determining our daily activities while away.
With just a bit of planning remaining, this trip has been on my mind constantly. I couldn’t be more excited to finally travel to the mountains of Armenia to help conserve the vipers that are so special to me. I’m also looking forward to being a tourist when away from the field to see and experience Armenian memorials, museums, and culture.
