While they may not attract the public's attention as much as pandas or white rhinos, many snake species face threats that have led to their endangered status. Despite their evolutionary resilience, they are suffering from environmental change, habitat destruction, and climate change, just like more common endangered species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has even listed three snake species as extinct, and many others as critically endangered.
Categories of endangered snakes
Snakes are incredibly diverse, inhabiting a wide variety of ecosystems around the world. Below is a classification of some of the snakes facing the highest risk of extinction:
sea snake
| Species | state | Threat factors |
|---|---|---|
| Short-nosed sea snake | Critically Endangered | Habitat loss and sea temperature change |
| Leafscaled Sea Snake | Critically Endangered | The mysterious decline may be due to environmental factors. |
| Dark Sea Serpent | endangered | Habitat loss, ecosystem change |
Sea snakes are primarily found around coral reefs in Australia, but their numbers are declining. While habitat degradation is a known factor, the exact reasons for their decline remain largely unknown, prompting calls for further research.
python
Some python species also face serious threats:
| Species | Place | Threat factors |
|---|---|---|
| Ring Island Python | Madagascar | Soil erosion, habitat loss |
| Cropan python | São Paulo, Brazil | Urbanization, habitat destruction |
| Mona Island Python | Puerto Rico | Habitat degradation |
| Ramsey python (Woma python) | Australia | Habitat loss |
These snakes include species from different regions such as Madagascar, Brazil, and Australia, and their situation is critical due to habitat loss and sometimes urban development.
garter snake
| Species | area | Protection status |
|---|---|---|
| Somali garter snake | somalia | endangered |
| Southern Somali Garter Snake | somalia | endangered |
| Black garter snake | Various | endangered |
| Usamba garter snake | Africa | endangered |
Garter snakes are known for their mild venom and lack of harm to humans, but their numbers are declining due to habitat destruction in the Americas and Africa.
Other notable species
In addition, several other snake species from different families are also considered endangered due to environmental factors and habitat destruction:
| division | Threat factors |
|---|---|
| Reed snake, wandering snake, reef snake | Habitat destruction and climate change |
| Blind snake, rat snake, viper | Environmental change, habitat loss |
Conclusion: Global efforts to save endangered snake species
The decline in global snake populations underscores the need for intensified conservation efforts, with a focus on habitat protection and climate change mitigation. While snakes don't always evoke sympathy, their role in biodiversity and ecosystems is irreplaceable, and urgent action is needed to prevent further losses.
