5 reasons Trinbagonians should appreciate snakes and why

Micrurus diutius - Large coral snake, Trinidad. Photo by Renoir Auguste

If you ask most Trinbagonians what they think about snakes, more often than not it seems the response is either instantaneous fear or hate. And yet, there are those who do like them, and appreciate their existence. Those of us who do appreciate snakes would try our best to convince others about their importance, but many times are seemingly ignored. In order to highlight world snake day, here are five reasons Trinbagonians should appreciate snakes and why.

1. Predators and pest removers. Snakes are important predators feeding on a variety of animals. They also feed on pests, including rats, snails, slugs, insects, and parrots (all of which can have negative effects on crops). In addition, some snakes even eat other snakes, particularly the venomous ones!

2. Research and Medicine. Studies on snakes have shown that their venom can potentially be used to treat medical diseases in humans. Therein lies the possibility of one day treating human diseases with the help of snakes!

3. Ecotourism. People from countries abroad come to Trinidad and Tobago to see the many snakes we have here. Because of our proximity to South America, Trinidad and Tobago has a variety of snake species (over 40 at the moment). Some of these include the largest snake in the world: the green anaconda, the longest venomous snake in the western hemisphere: the bushmaster, and some of the rarest in the world: the Tobago false coral, an island endemic found nowhere else in the world!

Erythrolamprus ocellatus Tobago false coral, harmlessly resting on hand. Photo by Renoir Auguste

4. Harmless unless provoked. Believe it or not, the majority of snakes in the country are harmless, unless of course they are provoked. Like any wild animal (or human), no one likes being provoked. To snakes, people are threats to their lives, and if they are picked up or stepped on, their instinct will be to try and protect themselves. There are snakes that can potentially cause harm to people in Trinidad, for example the four venomous species: (1) mapepire balsain (aka fer-de-lance), (2) bushmaster, (3) large coral, (4) small coral. However, these snakes will not go out of their way or comfort zone to bite people unless they have been provoked. 

5. Snakes are animals and alive, just like you. Although some cultures have used snakes in their folklore stories to be mythical in nature, in reality, snakes are just animals that are part of the world we live in. Humans share a world with snakes and other wildlife, and should remember that without them, there can be dire consequences to people. 

To learn more about the snakes in Trinidad and Tobago, get your copy of the latest "Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Trinidad and Tobago"!

You don't need to love snakes, but at least have appreciation for them. I assure you, they want to avoid you as much as possible too.