Adder is reptile of the year 2024
The adder (Vipera berus), which is highly endangered in Germany, is the reptile of the year 2024. It is the only snake that can still be found beyond the Arctic Circle, the German Society for Herpetology and Terrarium Science (DGHT), based in Salzhemmendorf, Lower Saxony, announced on Sunday. "The cold-loving species is therefore also considered a loser of climate change." Its habitat is dwindling in Germany.
The rare venomous snake can be recognized by the zigzag band on its back and the vertical pupils. The females, which are up to 90 centimetres long, are colored in brownish tones, while the males, which are somewhat shorter at up to 60 centimetres, tend to be light to silver-grey. They are often mistaken for the non-poisonous smooth snake. Their diet includes lizards, frogs and small mammals. Their biggest enemies are wild boars, martens and buzzards.
"This viviparous species has the largest distribution area of all snakes worldwide and colonizes a huge total area in Europe and Asia in several subspecies," reported the DGHT. It stretches from England to the Russian island of Sakhalin. "Apart from the endangered Aspis viper in the southern Black Forest, the adder is the only venomous snake in Germany."
Bites are rare
However, bite accidents are very rare and hardly dangerous or fatal for healthy people. "The bites can be painful and lead to local symptoms such as swelling." It is important to remain calm and seek medical treatment if necessary.
According to the DGHT, the snake is active during the day and is mainly found in moorland areas, forest edges and clearings. However, experts say that their habitat is dwindling due to intensive farming and the drainage of moors. Forest paths and roads are difficult obstacles for them to overcome, meaning that the individual populations can no longer mix with each other. Larger populations of adders can be found in the northern German lowlands, in the eastern low mountain ranges and in parts of southern Germany such as the Alps, the Black Forest and the Bavarian Forest.
Systematically killed in the past
Around 120 years ago, trapping bounties were offered and tens of thousands of venomous snakes were killed every year, according to DGHT Managing Director Axel Kwet from Fellbach near Stuttgart. An adder extermination association was even founded. Today, the snake species is highly endangered in Germany and requires special protection.
The reptile or amphibian of the year has been chosen alternately since 2006. The aim of the award is to draw attention to the endangerment of native animals. According to the DGHT, it has more than 5,000 members worldwide. The association is committed to the study of amphibians and reptiles, their expert husbandry and breeding, as well as species and nature conservation.
The recognition of the adder as the reptile of the year 2024 highlights the importance of protecting this endangered species, which is also a victim of climate change and habitat loss. In the field of science, studies on the adder's habitat and population trends are crucial for its conservation efforts in the environment.
Source: www.dpa.com
