Predation on the endangered Hungarian meadow viper ( Vipera ursinii rakosiensis ) by Badger ( Meles meles ) and Fox ( Vulpes vulpes )

Hungarian meadow viper (Vipera ursinii rakosiensis) is a globally endangered reptile with a few sub-populations remained after habitat loss and fragmentation. Now all habitats is protected by law in Hungary and significant conservation effort have been implemented by habitat reconstruction, development and ex situ breeding and reintroductions, but the abundance is still very low and the impact of conservation interventions are nearly immeasurable according to densities. Hypotheses have been raised, as the predation pressure is the main factor influencing viper abundance. Here we analysed the diet of potential mammalian predators (Badger and Fox) at a Hungarian meadow viper habitat, and found high prevalence of viper remains in the processed faecal samples, and estimated a high number of preyed vipers within half season in a single site. Effective predator control is recommended to support habitat developments and reintroduction.