In the face of habitat encroachment and destruction, rare snake species are on the brink of extinction, with a significant decline in their populations.
Wagner’s Green Snake is the scientific name of a venomous snake found in northwestern Iran and eastern Turkey. Scientists report that this species usually inhabits areas above 1,500 meters in rocky or grassy regions. In 2008, several experts warned about the risk of extinction for the Wagner’s Green Snake when authorities planned to build a dam in its habitat. Surveys indicate that currently, there are fewer than 2,500 adult snakes remaining in the wild due to extensive hunting for pets. In August 2013, researcher Louis Zoo initiated a breeding program that resulted in the birth of 9 Wagner’s Green Snake hatchlings.
The Alcatrazes Lancehead, scientifically known as Bothrops alcatraz, has been identified as being at risk of extinction on a small island off the southeastern coast of Brazil. Reports indicate that the name of the snake species originates from the island Ilha de Alcatrazes, which covers an area of 1.35 km2 and is part of the Alcatrazes archipelago. Their venom is highly dangerous and can be fatal in a short time. Zoologists have noted that the government is using the island for military purposes, threatening the habitat of this rare snake. Several organizations have conducted surveys to determine the exact population of the species, but they have yet to find conclusive results.
Scientists have discovered a small rattlesnake species called Crotalus catalinensis on Santa Catalina Island, California Bay, USA. They report that these snakes are adapting to the desert environment by having a silent rattle, which allows them to hunt more effectively. According to forecasts from global wildlife conservation organizations, the population of this species is declining sharply due to an increase in feral cats. Additionally, criminals often hunt them for their venom with lethal intentions. Some researchers have hypothesized that the scale of decline is due to a lack of food sources. Many nature enthusiasts are calling for donations to launch a program to reduce the feral cat population on the island to help conserve this snake species.
The Antiguan Racer is found on the island nation of Antigua and Barbuda in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Previously, they were concentrated on Antigua Island, primarily feeding on lizards. However, due to a surge in mongoose and black rat populations, their numbers have significantly declined, putting them at risk of extinction. Conservation managers relocated them to Bird Island for preservation. Many scientists believed they were extinct until a researcher discovered their existence in the early 1990s. After volunteers successfully eradicated black rats on the island, the population of this snake species rose to over 900 individuals.
Darevsky’s Viper is an extremely venomous snake living in northwestern Armenia and eastern Turkey. Ilya Darevsky was among the first to discover and name them. Due to free-ranging livestock grazing that devastates their natural habitat, the population of Darevsky’s Viper is declining. According to surveys, this snake species is on the brink of extinction, with only about 500 individuals left in the wild. Their primary food sources include lizards, rodents, and insects. Darevsky noted that they are a sexually dimorphic species and usually inhabit high mountain ranges to absorb more heat from the sun.
The Short-nosed Sea Snake found off the northwestern coast of Australia is in a critical state. Its scientific name is Aipysurus apraefrontalis. They typically inhabit the Sahul, Ashmore, and Hibernia reefs or sandy areas with sparse coral. Scientists say they can live up to 10 years. Although their population was relatively large in 1990, it rapidly declined by 2000 due to government programs for coral bleaching.
Dussumier’s Ground Snake resides on Round Island, the nation of Mauritius, in the southwestern Indian Ocean. They are approximately 1.5 meters long and have dark brown coloration on their backs, with lighter hues and black spots on their bellies. Scientists have also found them on Gunner’s Quoin Island. Although they identified only 250 adult individuals in 1996, the number has since increased to about 1,000. The growth of goats and rabbits has put their existence in jeopardy. Some wildlife conservation agencies have initiated breeding programs for this snake species.
Unicolored Rattlesnake is a species endemic to Aruba, off the coast of Venezuela. This species typically has gray or light brown coloration with some diamond-shaped scales on its back. They are usually active at night or during the cool early mornings and evenings in summer. Scientists report that their lifespan can extend up to 20 years. Their primary food sources are rodents, birds, and lizards. They have identified only 230 individuals remaining in the wild, with about 100 residing in reserves or areas where poachers operate. The government’s expansion of goat farming has negatively impacted the island’s vegetation, further reducing the habitat of this species.
Orlov’s Viper originates from the Black Sea region in Russia. This venomous snake has a triangular head and strong venomous fangs. Although their coloration and patterns can vary among individuals, they are typically gray-brown, yellow-gray, or have wavy lines of brown and black. Their food sources include mice, lizards, frogs, toads, and insects. Surveys indicate that 250 adult individuals still exist in nature, within a habitat area of approximately 100 km2. Wildlife conservationists warn that if humans continue to keep this venomous snake as a pet, they will soon disappear entirely from the planet.
The St. Lucia Racer has become the rarest snake in the world, measuring less than 1 meter in length, non-venomous, with a light brown body featuring a dark brown stripe running from its neck to its tail. Scientists report that they inhabit a tropical island in the Caribbean Sea. Black rats and mongooses caused their extinction in 1936. However, a local resident discovered they still existed in 1973. Currently, only 18 individuals live on the island. Organizations are working hard to promote conservation programs for this rarest snake in the world.
