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Appeal for long-term data to explain snake declines
Newly published data from the UK, France, Italy and Nigeria provides evidence that a number of snake species populations declined synchronously over a four-year period. The research, published in the journal Biology Letters, was led by Dr Chris Reading from the UK's Centre for Ecology & Hydrology in collaboration with colleagues from Italy, France, Nigeria and Australia.
Long-term studies have previously revealed population declines in fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Many of these declines are a global phenomenon whose causes may vary but are often unclear. Among reptiles, snakes are top predators and therefore a decline in their numbers may have serious consequences for the functioning of many ecosystems.
"This is the first documented evidence from anywhere in the world that snake populations may be declining."
- Chris Reading, CEH
The new research examined long term datasets from 17 snake populations from the UK, France, Italy, Nigeria and Australia. The data was collected between 1987 and 2009. Record lengths for individual species ranged from 13 to 22 years. All data sets covered the period 1997 to 2008.
Dr Reading said, “This is the first documented evidence from anywhere in the world that snake populations may be declining. Of 17 snake populations (11 species), 11 (8 species) from tropical (Nigeria), Mediterranean (Italy) and temperate (France and the UK) climates declined synchronously and over a period of about four years between 1998 and 2002."
He added, "Although we do not know the cause of these observed declines we wish to alert snake ecologists to what appears to be happening and to stimulate further research.” The research group suggests many causes might be involved, including the quality of habitats, such as a growing shortage of appropriate ground cover, or less abundant prey.
The team is appealing to researchers to come forward with other long-term datasets that might explain the observed declines in snake populations.
Further information
- CEH online news release (9 June 2010)
- Biology Letters
- News coverage:
- Snakes declining at alarming rate, say scientists - The Guardian - 9 June 2010
- Snakes in mysterious global decline - BBC Online - 9 June 2010
- Snake populations plummet - New Scientist - 9 June 2010
