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Context: World Snake Day, celebrated annually on July 16, to appreciate the role snakes play in our environment and the valuable contributions they make to science and medicine.

Details

• World Snake Day on July 16, aims to raise awareness about the importance of snakes and dispel the negative myths and stereotypes surrounding them.
• Snakes are often misunderstood and feared, but they play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and contribute significantly to various ecosystems worldwide.

About Snakes

• Snakes belong to the suborder Serpentes.
• They are elongated, limbless reptiles that are ectothermic (cold-blooded), and covered in overlapping scales.
• Unlike their lizard ancestors, many snake species have skulls with additional joints (cranial kinesis), allowing them to swallow prey larger than their heads.
• Snakes are found on every continent except Antarctica and on most smaller land masses.
• Sea snakes are common in the Indian and Pacific oceans.
• Currently, around thirty families of snakes are recognized, comprising approximately 520 genera and about 3,900 species.
  • They range in size from the tiny 10.4 cm-long Barbados threadsnake to the reticulated python, which can reach lengths of up to 6.95 meters.
  • The extinct Titanoboa cerrejonensis was the largest known snake, measuring up to 12.8 meters long.
• Most snake species are non-venomous. Venomous snakes primarily use their venom to kill or subdue prey rather than for self-defence. Some snakes possess venom potent enough to cause painful injuries or even death to humans.

Importance of Snakes in the Environment

• Predator Role: Snakes are essential predators that help control the populations of their prey, such as rodents, insects, and other small animals. This predation helps prevent the overpopulation of these species, which could otherwise lead to significant ecological imbalance and damage to crops and property.
• Food Web Integration: Snakes are integral to the food web. They serve as prey for a variety of animals, including birds of prey, mammals, and even other snakes. This makes them crucial for maintaining the balance of predator-prey relationships in ecosystems.
• Indicators of Environmental Health: Snakes are indicators of a healthy environment. Their presence signifies a well-balanced ecosystem, as they require specific habitats and conditions to thrive.
  • Monitoring snake populations can provide scientists with insights into the overall health of an ecosystem.
  • A decline in snake populations can indicate environmental issues such as habitat destruction, pollution, or climate change.

Contributions to Medicine

Despite their dangerous reputation, venomous snakes have contributed significantly to medical advancements. Snake venom has unique properties that have been utilized in the development of various medicines, including:

• Anticoagulants: Snake venom has been used to develop anticoagulant drugs, which help prevent blood clots and are essential in treating conditions such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
• High Blood Pressure Treatments: Components of snake venom have been used in the development of medications for high blood pressure, helping millions of people manage this condition.
• Pain Management and Neurological Research: Research on snake venom has led to the development of painkillers and has provided insights into neurological functions and disorders.

Conclusion

• World Snake Day is an important event that highlights the critical role snakes play in maintaining ecological balance and their contributions to biodiversity and medicine. By promoting a better understanding of these reptiles, the day aims to foster a more positive perception and encourage the conservation of snake species around the world.

Source:

NDTV

Wikipedia

PRACTICE QUESTION Consider the following statements: Only a small percentage of snakes are deadly to humans. Snakes lack external ear canals and rely on vibrations to sense sound. Snakes have a limbless body for efficient movement. Jacobson's organ is located on the roof of the snake’s mouth. How many of the above statements are correct? A) Only one B) Only two C) Only three D) All four Answer: D