As humans, we are naturally terrified of all snakes, the reason why their bite can lead to death. Granted, there is a lot of negative stigma around it, due to various myths. Much of the human population believes that all snakes are poisonous and that the only way to get rid of fear is to kill these reptiles in the blink of an eye. These animals hastily retreat when confronted, but become angry and may bite only when threatened. In this article on the benefits of snakes for mother nature, you will be given information about their uses and advantages.
It has been estimated that there are more than 2,600 species of snakes. There are many snakes – they can be as small as an earthworm and they can have large bodies like anacondas. They are found in all parts of the world, even in deserts and swamps. They cannot survive in the cold regions, and some snakes in the cold environment have changed their survival to the form of hibernation. Unlike humans and other warm-blooded animals, they rarely face a nutrient deficiency as they consume their prey completely. An anaconda feeds four times a year. They cannot regulate their body temperature according to the environment as they are ectotherms.
Let’s take a look at the anatomy of snakes. They are long and do not have hands, legs. Its body is covered in scales. They have stagnant eyes, a forked tongue that can move. Some of the snake species are not poisonous.
To catch prey, snakes use various senses such as hearing and touch to recognize and track their prey. There are snakes that use venom to paralyze their prey, while some, like pythons, use their powerful strength and long body to squeeze the life out of their victims.
Benefits of snakes
Although there are man-made tools to check the number of rodents, such as rat traps, poisoned food. However, snakes are more effective as they move quickly in sand, rocks, squeeze through crevices, and can move into rodent burrows and shelters.
Benefits of snakes in the ecosystem
The role of snakes in the food cycle and ecosystem is unmatched, as they are efficient hunters, expert predators, and help keep the numbers of many harmful animals under control. The main food is rodents (for large snakes), insects (small snakes) and, unless challenged by reptiles, the number of these prey increases, which can cause disastrous consequences in the environment. Rodents, insects and other pests can wreak havoc on crops and, when they enter people’s homes, they can cause damage to food and businesses. Furthermore, rodents can spread diseases like the plague. A survey indicates that many of the causes of home fires are caused by chewing on wires by rats and mice.
For a person interested in history, the mere sight of snakes can elicit feelings of fascination and interest.
Medicinal benefits of snake venom
Snake venom is used in small doses to treat bodily ailments such as paralysis, myocardial infarction (blood clotting). Viper venom is used in anti-aging medicine and in preventing the growth of cancer cells.
Although snakes are worshiped as gods in Asian countries, their abodes are becoming less due to increased agriculture, the development of more land for human habitation, and the introduction of domestic pets. These reptiles deserve to be respected and they need our protection to live in harmony.
