Once extinct in the UK, the Aesculapian snake is making a comeback, with breeding populations established in at least three regions. These non-venomous snakes are utilizing human-made structures like houses and attics to survive in a climate previously considered too cold.
The Aesculapian snake, once extinct in the UK thousands of years ago, is making a comeback, with breeding populations now established in at least three regions. These non-venomous snakes, which can grow to over 7 feet in length, are utilizing human-made structures to thrive in a climate previously considered too cold. Researchers tracked 13 male and eight female Aesculapian snakes between 2021 and 2022, discovering their surprising reliance on 'human habitats' for survival.
They found the snakes actively seeking out and returning to inhabited buildings, even climbing large structures to access attics and wall cavities. This behavior stands in stark contrast to native UK snakes, which typically avoid urban areas. The study revealed that male snakes showed a clear preference for buildings, while females favored woodland areas. Researchers attribute this attraction to anthropogenic features like buildings, culverts, compost heaps, and vegetation piles, which provide shelter, regulate temperature, and offer suitable egg-laying sites.The areas where these snakes are known to be breeding include around London Zoo in Regent's Park, near Bridgend in South Wales, and around Colwyn Bay in North Wales. These populations have persisted for some years, but the recent research sheds light on their unique lifestyle. During the study, researchers monitored the snakes' movements and habitat use twice daily using radio trackers. Sadly, five snakes died during the study, and one shortly after, succumbing to various causes like being hit by cars, preyed upon by a buzzard, cannibalized by another snake, or killed by a mammal. Despite these challenges, the study provides valuable insights into the adaptability and resilience of the Aesculapian snake as it reestablishes itself in the UK after millennia of absence
Aesculapian Snake UK Wildlife Invasive Species Climate Change Urban Ecology
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