Climate Change is Driving the Mass Migration of Venomous Snakes

A recent study has highlighted a concerning effect of Global warming: the migration of venomous snakes into new regions, posing increased risks to human populations. Published in the journal Lancet Planetary Health, the research predicts significant shifts in the habitats of venomous snakes by 2070 due to Climate change, affecting countries primarily in Asia and Africa.

According to the study, nations like Nepal, Niger, Namibia, China, and Myanmar are expected to see an influx of venomous species. These regions, along with low-income countries in South and Southeast Asia and parts of Africa, are particularly vulnerable to snakebites, which can lead to death or severe disability.

Researchers analyzed the geographical distribution of 209 venomous snake species to forecast where these animals might find suitable climates in the future. Findings suggest that while some snakes will lose habitat due to the degradation of tropical and subtropical ecosystems, others like the West African gaboon viper might see habitat increases of up to 250%. Similarly, the habitat for the European asp and the horned viper could more than double.

However, the study also notes potential habitat losses for species such as the variable bush viper and the hognosed pit viper, with more than 70% of their current ranges at risk. This shift is exacerbated by agricultural expansion, which destroys and fragments the natural environments snakes rely on, though some species adapt well to agricultural landscapes.

The implications of these shifts are significant, with venomous snakes potentially increasing human encounters and bites as they move into populated areas. The World Health Organization has flagged snakebite envenomation as a critical neglected tropical disease, with an estimated 1.8 to 2.7 million people bitten each year, leading to up to 138,000 deaths.

The study underscores the urgent need for preparedness and adaptation strategies in vulnerable regions to mitigate the risks posed by these climate-induced migrations of venomous snakes. As habitats and human landscapes converge, understanding and managing this human-animal-environment conflict becomes crucial for safety and public health.

There’s Only One Green Planet Tee by Tiny Rescue: Climate Collection

Related Content:

• 5 Snake Rescues We Can’t Forget!
• Snakes Emerge as Surprising Therapy Animals
• How to Identify the Most Common Venomous Snakes in the United States
• 10 Disturbing Ways Snakes Are Exploited and Mistreated by Humans
• Research is Discovering the Forces Behind the Great Migration

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade repeatedly.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!