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Less than a dozen pitvipers are among approximately 200 snake species previously identified as threatened or endangered worldwide, whereas we estimate that more than half of all crotaline species are now vulnerable to extinction. Taxa with small ranges, narrow habitat preferences, and/or substantial human persecution are of special concern; Bothriechis sp., Crotalus polystictus, Lachesis muta, and Sistrurus catenatus illustrate these issues. Certain taxa should receive special attention for biological, cultural, and/or esthetic reasons. Major goals for pitviper conservation include consideration of these animals in planning for reserves, public education, and facilitation of research on their biology.