World Snake Day 2020: Dozens of snake species facing peril, say herpetologists

[UngulateNerd92]

I should have posted this article here on World Snake Day, but unfortunately I didn't, so I am going to share it here now.

"Habitat loss is the gravest threat facing snakes today, according to herpetologist Romulus Whitaker, ahead of World Snakes Day.

Snakes have occupied a prominent space in popular mindscape for ages, but that hasn’t been all good for the reptiles. Dozens of snake species, in India and across the world, face existential threats,experts told Down To Earth on the eve of World Snake Day (June 16)."

World Snake Day 2020: Dozens of snake species facing peril, say herpetologists

 

[UngulateNerd92]

My aunt had this to say in response to the article. She articulated her points well and they actually bring me some hope.

"It is hopeful to read there are many species yet to be discovered. Here in southern Arizona, my community members contribute to the area Nextdoor website with pictures of wildlife sightings, including snakes. The overwhelming feedback is simply to step with caution and reminders to newer residents that we only share this desert with ALL the natural wildlife! Even many responsible postings about non-poisonous animal and weed control. Our Fire Department has a volunteer, free snake removal and relocation service for residents who spot rattlesnakes on their properties. I am pleased to say the overwhelming majority of residents are educating one another and subscribe to humane methods of safely cohabitating with all kinds of desert wildlife. I hope these responsible attitudes are a new trend of concern and caretaking."

 

[UngulateNerd92]

A friend of mine had this to say, and again he has some valid points.

"Well, any system or ideology that promotes more growth of humanity spells big trouble for snakes as well as a lot of other wildlife. Increasing human tolerance of snakes is tough, and much effort should be put toward that while scaling down the human enterprise."

 

[UngulateNerd92]

Someone else had this to say about this article, and it sounds like she did some invaluable work.

"For several years I held a monthly Family Nature Storytime and walk at a Children's Library I worked at. Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv was the kick in the pants that helped me realize that many kids now do not have the opportunities that I had as a child to explore my surroundings. A snake storytime was part of the fun. (And then there was the day that some kids came to the Library Desk to report that there was a snake in the library. It was nonvenomous, so I removed it to the creek area near the Library - after determining it was a native species. Who says Librarians are delicate scaredy cats?) No live animals were ever part of these storytimes, but as we walked out of doors we observed and listened to lots of critters. So, the point of all of this is that teaching tolerance and safety and enjoyment of snakes and insects and other wild critters is possible. It seemed to work well with family groups. P.S. I have no degree in any science. I just read and observe -- and I just was lucky enough as a kid to run wild in nature! Sorry for the long-winded post that is only tangentially related to your point about how difficult it can be to increase tolerance of snakes."

"Last Child in the Woods" by Richard Louv was actually a book that @TheMightyOrca recommended I check out. Thank you again for the recommendation!