VITALITY OF SNAKES IN THE ENVIRONMENT

By: Jemimah Chungu

Snakes are usually despised animals. They are seen as evil in regard to some beliefs. They are also feared by many due to their venomous nature unlike frogs that are more venomous in some instances. Actually snakes have a lot of benefits. They contribute to the balance of nature and ultimately the whole environment which is the home of human beings (habitat). Snakes like any other organisms in the environment should be conserved especially in the wild where they are of no harm or threat to people.

Biodiversity

Snakes contribute to organism diversity in the environment. Bio means living (living things) and diversity means different. Therefore biodiversity is a variety (different) living organisms in existence. Biodiversity is important for the balance of nature and snakes play a big role in making living organisms diverse. Moreover, snakes are of different kinds that play different roles in nature.

Eco-system

Snakes have a big role in ecosystems. An ecosystem is the interactions of living resources and non-living resources. There are systems and processes (interactions) of the environment (eco) where snakes partake a role. For example, the biodiversity in their habitats (trees, land and water) and being part of the processes in those habitats like respiration and part of food chains.

Food web

The food web is important because it balances nature and the environment we live in. Snakes are part of food chains. In as much as they are only but carnivores, they venture roles in many food chains that make up food webs. They eat birds, insects, fish (by water snakes), insects, frogs, toads, lizards, worms, slugs, snails, rats, mice and other rodents, including other organisms. They are also eaten by other snakes, cats, big birds in the wild such as hawks, eagles and other organisms. In the case of water snakes, they are consumed by other aquatic organisms.

Henceforth, snakes are preys and predators in nature. Through this, they create such a big part of the food web. More so, snakes are part of the whole food web in the nature of the globe and regulate population of species.

Pest control

While snakes are only trying to survive by eating, they do not only benefit nature by the food web but also human beings by reducing pests. For example, rodents like rats that cause diseases to people and agricultural crops, pastoral and poultry animals (which are food and income source to people). Rodents cause diseases such as plague that can result to death. Snakes on the other hand feed on rodents that can prevent that. It is even better if it is a snake controlling pests than using chemical pest control that cause harm on the environment.

Food for people

In addition to snakes benefiting people by controlling pests, they are also munched by some people in parts of the world. They are said to be delicious and of high nutrition value similar to fish.

Skin treatment

Oil from skins of a snake is attained and used for human skin treatment. Some high network companies including Longrich, are popular for producing snake oil for skin use and people from around the world have given wonderful testimonies. Snake oil is useful in removing unwanted stretch marks, scars, spots, acne and other skin complications.

Identifying where minerals are found

Did you know that snakes can identify where minerals lay? It is alleged that there are certain snakes that are only found where minerals lay, be it in water, on land or even in trees. Some are determined by how they look.

Tourism

Snakes are wonderful creatures, they live much to wonder. Snake lovers, geographers, ecologists, documentarians and other people travel just to view snakes and cast them. This benefits the tourism sector in its purpose as well as the latter such as transport sector.

Cultural importance

In many cultures and cultural religions, snakes are of great significance and symbolisms. Some in the past worshipped snakes directly due to their customary beliefs. According to a writing by Wilfrid Hambly, there is archaeological evidence showing the snakes in architectural and ceramic design insinuating magico-religious significance in the designs. Obviously these are found in museums, temples and other ruins.

Even though not much is known and left for proof, snakes were/are widely respected in certain cultures (in the past and even at present). There are many groups of people that worship snakes like pythons and very strong cults of the python.

A witnessed belief is that of Nyami-Nyami, Zambezi River in Zambia, Zambezi snake spirit. According to myths, the spirits are felt at the source of the Zambezi River. Even in Egypt, snakes worshipping is practiced.

There are also people who believe snakes are part of their clans and families especially royal families and killing them can cause death on one of the family members or even to the killer.

All and above, snakes like other environmental organisms should be considered of much importance and be conserved.