Snake Profile
At first glance, the island seems like one of those tropical destinations everyone desires about. However, the island is house to 1000’s of venomous snakes that inhabiting the island, making it some of the dangerous places on earth. Golden lancehead snakes current on the island are additionally not safe on the island because they face threats from poachers, habitat degradation, and ailments. In the last 15 years, their population has declined by almost 50% by some estimates.
Snake venom from other species has additionally shown potential as an anti-cancer drug. Although most previous estimates of snake survival didn’t account for detection probability –, a general sample of high survival was instructed for vipers , –. Here, survival for the golden lancehead ranged from 0.55 to zero.seventy nine, relying on season and sex. Such values are intermediate when compared to other viper inhabitants studies that accounted for imperfect detectability , , . This snake usually targets perching birds, but it additionally consumes lizards and might even resort to cannibalism. Unlike other venomous snakes that are likely to strike, release, and then monitor their prey, golden lanceheads hold their prey in their mouth as soon as they’ve envenomated it.
Inhabitants Dynamics Of The Critically Endangered Golden Lancehead Pitviper, Bothrops Insularis: Stability Or Decline?
The increase has additionally prompted scientists from different components of the world to seek out uncommon and venomous species of snakes looking for more potent medicine. Because of black market demand by scientists and animal collectors, wildlife smugglers, often known as biopirates, have been identified to visit Ilha da Queimada Grande, too. They entice the snakes and sell them via illegal channels—a single golden lanceheads can go for wherever from $10,000 to $30,000.
The future of golden lancehead looks grim, and will solely get better if extra conservation efforts are put forth. During this time, the venom will destroy the tissues making it easier for the snake to swallow. Once the prey is lifeless, the snake will track and swallow the animal. Like different vipers, the golden head is believed to be an environment friendly killer.
