The challenge

Snake venom composition varies not just between species, but even within the same species from different regions. To study the full complexities of venom and develop new snakebite treatments, the Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions (CSRI) needs access to high-quality venom from a diverse range of snakes.

This research requires a highly professional and specialist facility to safely house, care for, and study the world’s most dangerous snakes.

About the facility

Based in Liverpool but with global reach, the Herpetarium at LSTM is the UK’s only Home Office-accredited experimental animal facilities dedicated to venomous snakes. It’s a critical pillar of the CSRI, enabling both our basic biology and therapeutic research.

Run by world-renowned herpetologists Paul Rowley and Edouard Crittenden, the Herpetarium is home to over 150 venomous snakes from 50 different species, the largest and most diverse collection in the UK and among the most specialised in Europe.

The collection has a strong focus on African snake species, with a curated range that includes haemotoxic vipers like the saw-scaled viper (Echis spp.), puff adder (Bitis arietans), and gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica); neurotoxic elapids such as the iconic black and green mambas (Dendroaspis spp.); and spitting and non-spitting cobras (Naja spp.).

Our approaches & impact

Paul and Edd, both highly experienced in caring for and handling snakes, carefully extract venom from each snake in a precise, high-stakes process. Every venom sample is quickly frozen, then freeze-dried and stored under strict conditions to preserve its potency.

That venom fuels a huge portion of CSRI’s work:

• Basic biology research into venom composition and evolution
• Therapeutic discovery, including trials of oral drugs and monoclonal antibody treatments
• Global collaboration, with venom samples shared internationally with research teams and antivenom manufacturers

Every drop of venom contributes to the search for safer, more accessible treatments.

Visit the facility

For the past decades, the Herpetarium has received thousands of visitors, from school children, university students, members of the armed forces, visiting dignitaries, research funders, and the general public. They have had the chance to tour the facility, meet the team, and learn about the science behind snakebite.

It is a rare, sometimes spine-tingling experience, but always an inspiring one. Visitors leave with a deeper appreciation of the scientific, medical, and ethical care that goes into handling these extraordinary creatures.