The disappearance of a species is a solemn reminder of the fragility of our planet’s ecosystems. When it comes to snakes, which often evoke a sense of fear or awe, the extinction of these creatures might pass unnoticed by the general public.
Yet, it is crucial to understand the causes and effects of these losses.
Here is a look at nine extinct snake species—creatures that once slithered on our Earth but are now gone.
Reasons Behind Snake Extinction
The decline in snake populations worldwide is a concerning trend, highlighting the fragile balance of our ecosystems. Understanding the causes behind this decline is key to addressing the issue.
Here are significant reasons why snakes are facing the threat of extinction:
1. Habitat Loss
One of the primary threats to snake populations is the destruction of their natural habitats. Urbanization, agriculture expansion, and deforestation lead to the loss of the critical areas snakes rely on for shelter, hunting, and breeding.
Excessive land-use changes not only reduce the spaces snakes can live but also fragment their habitats, making it difficult for different snake populations to interact for genetic diversity.
2. Climate Change
Climate change poses a multifaceted threat to snakes.
Shifts in temperature and moisture levels can impact snakes directly by altering their physiological processes and indirectly by affecting their prey availability and habitat quality.
Extreme weather events, such as prolonged droughts or floods, further exacerbate these effects, disrupting the delicate balance snakes need to survive.
3. Pollution
Pollution is a less visible but equally significant hazard. Chemical pollutants from agriculture, waste disposal, and industrial processes can degrade snakes’ habitats and poison their food sources.
Additionally, snakes are susceptible to bioaccumulation, where toxic substances build up in their bodies over time, leading to health issues and decreased fertility.
4. Human-Wildlife Conflict
Finally, snakes often fall victim to direct human-wildlife conflicts.
Misunderstandings and fear lead to the persecution and killing of snakes in many regions.
Furthermore, the illegal wildlife trade, which includes the selling of snakes as pets or their parts for traditional medicine, puts significant pressure on some species.
Extinct Snake Species
1. Wonambi naracoortensis
The Wonambi naracoortensis was a prehistoric snake that roamed Australia during the Pleistocene Epoch. It was part of a group known as the madtsoiids, which are now all extinct.
The Wonambi was not venomous—instead, it subdued its prey through constriction.
Fossils suggest that this species could grow up to five or six meters in length. They likely resembled modern-day pythons in both behavior and appearance.
Their extinction coincides with the disappearance of many Australian megafauna, which is a cautionary tale about the potential impact of climate change and human activities on large predators.
2. Titanoboa cerrejonensis
Titanoboa cerrejonensis is perhaps the most famous of extinct snakes, mainly due to its incredible size. Fossils found in Colombia indicate that Titanoboa could grow up to 12 meters long and weigh over a ton.
This massive constrictor lived approximately 60 million years ago, thriving in the warm, tropical conditions of the Paleocene epoch.
Its diet likely consisted of large aquatic or semi-aquatic animals. Due to its sheer size, Titanoboa is a subject of fascination, and its fossils have provided valuable insights into prehistoric wildlife.
3. Sanajeh indicus
The Sanajeh indicus was a prehistoric serpent from the Late Cretaceous period, found in what is now India. Unlike the massive Titanoboa, Sanajeh was relatively modest in size, with an estimated length of about 3.5 meters.
Its fossils have been found in close proximity to dinosaur eggs, suggesting it preyed on hatchlings.
This species’ extinction mirrors the end-Cretaceous mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs, highlighting the interconnectedness of living things throughout history.
4. Haasiophis terrasanctus
Haasiophis terrasanctus is an extinct species of marine snake from the Late Cretaceous. It’s one of the several species that provide evidence of the evolutionary transition from land-dwelling lizards to sea-dwelling snakes.
Haasiophis was relatively small, with elongated bodily features adapted to its marine environment.
Its fossils were uncovered in the Middle East, in what is named the Holy Land. The species’ presence emphasizes the ancient biodiversity of the region that is now largely desert.
Haasiophis’ extinction can be attributed to the same event that killed off the dinosaurs, indicating that no ocean was a refuge from that global catastrophe.
5. Pachyrhachis problematicus
Pachyrhachis problematicus is another extinct snake that showcases the evolutionary bridge between legged lizards and modern snakes.
Discovered in the Middle East, this species possessed small hind legs, which were likely vestigial and not used for locomotion.
Pachyrhachis was a contemporary of Haasiophis terrasanctus, and both are considered important for understanding snake evolution.
6. Najash rionegrina
Najash rionegrina is a unique fossil snake from Cretaceous Patagonia, approximately 90 million years old. It retains both robust pelvic bones and well-developed hind limbs, showing that early snakes were very different from their modern descendants.
Najash sheds light on how snakes may have initially evolved from burrowing lizards.
7. Yurlunggur camfieldensis
Yurlunggur camfieldensis is another extinct Australian snake that belonged to the madtsoiids group, like the Wonambi.
Its remains have been found in the Northern Territory and suggest it was a large, constricting serpent similar to the modern python.
Yurlunggur’s distinctive features include a broad skull and small eyes, possibly indicating a lifestyle that did not rely heavily on vision. Its extinction alongside other Australian megafauna during the Pleistocene Epoch poses questions about the role of climate change and human influence.
8. Eupodophis descouensi
Eupodophis descouensi is a fossil snake from the Cretaceous of Lebanon, notable for possessing a hind limb with an ankle bone and three tiny toes.
These features are striking reminders of the evolutionary path from lizards to the legless snakes we know today. Eupodophis inhabited a marine environment where it likely hunted small fish and other sea creatures.
9. Laophis crotaloides
Laophis crotaloides is one of the most recently extinct snakes, with some fossils found in Greece dated to a few million years ago. It is believed to have been among the largest European vipers, potentially as a result of island gigantism.
The sparse fossil record shows a robust snake that may have preyed on sizeable mammals and perhaps even confronted early human ancestors.
Its extinction raises questions about the interaction between large predators and evolving ecosystems, inclusive of human influence.
Impact of Snake Extinction on Ecosystems
The extinction of snake species can have a profound impact on ecosystems, primarily due to their role as both predator and prey within the food web.
As predators, snakes regulate the population of their prey, which often includes rodents and insects.
Without snakes to control these populations, there can be an overabundance of these species, leading to crop damage and the spread of diseases, which can have significant economic impacts.
Moreover, the loss of snakes disrupts the balance of the ecosystem, potentially allowing prey populations to exceed sustainable levels and deplete their food resources.
Steps to Help Prevent Snake Extinction
1. Support Conservation Efforts
One of the most direct paths to preventing snake extinction is to support organizations and efforts dedicated to wildlife conservation.
Look for reputable NGOs and conservation groups that focus on habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and research on snake populations. Consider donating, volunteering your time, or even spreading awareness about their work.
Remember, it’s crucial to research organizations thoroughly before offering support to ensure their initiatives align with effective conservation strategies. Misdirected efforts, no matter how well-intentioned, may not always contribute to the desired outcome of saving snakes from extinction.
2. Promote Habitat Preservation
Snakes often lose their habitats due to human activities such as deforestation, urban development, and agriculture. You can help by advocating for and participating in local and global efforts to preserve natural habitats. This includes supporting policies that protect green spaces, participating in tree planting initiatives, and encouraging practices that minimize habitat disturbance. Be cautious of contributing to habitat destruction inadvertently through activities like unsustainable tourism or purchasing products made from habitats critical to snake populations. Educate others about the importance of habitat preservation for snakes and the broader ecosystem.
3. Cultivate a Positive Attitude Towards Snakes
A significant barrier to snake conservation is the widespread fear and misunderstanding about these reptiles. You can play a part in preventing snake extinction by helping to shift public perception. Educate yourself and others about the vital role snakes play in ecosystems and the true risks they pose, which are often far less dangerous than popularly believed. Avoid spreading misconceptions and share positive stories and factual information about snakes. Be particularly mindful of how you portray snakes on social media and in conversations. By fostering respect and appreciation for snakes, you contribute to a culture that values their preservation.
Final Thoughts
Various reasons have led to the extinction of some snake species over the years.
A primary factor has been habitat destruction, where the natural living spaces of snakes are altered or eliminated due to human activities such as agriculture, urban development, and deforestation.