Increase in Snake Population in Urban Portugese Regions?
In a recent statement to Notícias ao Minuto, the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) shed light on the presence of snakes in urban environments. Contrary to popular belief, these creatures are generally harmless and play a beneficial role in controlling pests such as insects and rodents.
The ICNF highlighted that the Montpellier snake, the ladder snake, and the horseshoe snake are among the most common species found both outside their natural habitats and in urban areas. Interestingly, these animals, like many other urban snakes, are unable to regulate their body temperature and are heavily influenced by ambient temperature.
While the ICNF did not provide new information about the cyclical phenomena of increased snake populations conditioned by weather conditions, it is worth noting that such fluctuations can create the illusion of an increase in their population.
It's essential to understand that the majority of bites from reptiles, including snakes, are defensive reactions. For instance, a Montpellier snake bite is usually a defensive measure from the animal. When encountering a reptile in an urban environment, it is recommended to let it go its own way and avoid stepping on, grabbing, or cornering it.
The ICNF also emphasized that reptiles, including snakes, are generally shy animals and prefer to avoid humans. In fact, they may emit a foul-smelling musk when threatened as a means of deterrence. These creatures typically try to escape or hide rather than attack.
The naturalization of urban environments, particularly through the promotion of green spaces, encourages the flow of various species, not just reptiles. This phenomenon is not a new one, as reptiles have historically existed in urban areas due to a continuous flow of species between peri-urban areas and urban areas.
Common urban snake species include the garter snake (Thamnophis genus), Dekay’s brown snake, northern water snake, eastern rat snake, black racer, and eastern milksnake. These snakes are often non-venomous, small, and adapted to living near human habitation such as gardens, parks, pavements, and bodies of water within cities.
In conclusion, common urban snakes are generally harmless, avoid humans, and play useful ecological roles. The ICNF's conservation values focus on protecting native species and maintaining biodiversity in human-modified environments, aligning with the broader scientific consensus that emphasizes the importance of coexistence facilitated by awareness and protection of their habitats.
- The ICNF's conservation efforts extend beyond snakes, as they also focus on the promotion of health-and-wellness by advocating for the creation and preservation of green spaces in urban environments, which serve as homes for these creatures and contribute to overall environmental-science and lifestyle well-being.
- Acknowledging the essential role that snakes play in maintaining a balanced urban ecosystem, the ICNF encourages a lifestyle that respects these creatures, seeking to foster a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife, echoing broader scientific principles that emphasize the benefits of promoting health-and-wellness, environmental-science, and biodiversity.
