Page 16 - State of Biodiversity 2018/19

SNAKES ARE IMPORTANT TOO!
The EPCPD’s role is to protect biodiversity (plants, animals, water resources etc.) within the city of Durban. Protecting this life-sustaining biodiversity can be a challenge, especially for animals such as snakes, which are infamous. Is it possible to change this and for snakes to be a man’s second best friend? Many might say no, simply because snakes are feared by people. The reason why snakes are feared so much is as a result of different myths and cultural beliefs that portray snakes as aggressive and deadly creatures. This fear subconsciously causes people to adopt the 'kill-or-be-killed' approach when encountering a snake. However, snakes are not out to get you and will not attach unless provoked/confronted. Seeing snakes in a positive light begins with addressing the existing misconceptions about snakes and educating the general public about these legless reptiles.
In an attempt to change people’s negative perceptions about snakes, the EPCPD has recently published a booklet about snakes found in Durban called Understanding Snakes. The publication contains information about the different myths and cultural beliefs about snakes and the truth around them, profiles of different snakes, their habitats, how they behave and their venomous nature.
The conservation of snakes is important because their existence and persistence is crucial for maintaining a balance in nature. Without snakes in the food chain, rodents would grow in numbers, which would in turn affect humans negatively.
Boomslang.
Snakes don’t only prey on rodents but they prey on other animals such as frogs, birds, bats and other small mammals. Therefore, completely removing them from the ecosystem would create an imbalance. Predators such as mangoose, genets and monitor lizards would have to find another source of food in the absence of snakes.
Snakes are not only environmentally important creatures but are also very interesting to study. However, most should be admired from afar; in instances where they have ventured into one’s home, the book provides contact details of different snake catchers who are always willing to remove and relocate them in the wilderness. Citizens of Durban are urged to obtain the publication to better understand their scaly neighbours.
12 STATE OF BIODIVERSITY REPORT 2018/2019