What's happened
A recent study reveals that Aesculapian snakes, once extinct in the UK, are now thriving in urban areas by utilizing human habitats for warmth and shelter. Researchers tracked their behavior, uncovering unusual preferences for buildings over natural environments, raising questions about the impact of climate change on invasive species.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, researchers found that Aesculapian snakes actively seek human habitats, stating, 'For snakes, anthropogenic structures such as buildings and culverts provide shelter, thermoregulatory opportunities and egg-laying sites.' Metro highlights the unusual behavior of these snakes, noting that they have been observed climbing into attics and wall cavities. This behavior is not typical for native UK snakes, which tend to avoid urban areas. The study's findings raise important questions about the impact of climate change on species distribution and survival strategies.
How we got here
Aesculapian snakes were introduced to the UK in the 1970s after escaping from the Welsh Mountain Zoo. They went extinct during the last Ice Age and were absent for 300,000 years. Their recent resurgence in urban areas has prompted research into their survival strategies.
Common question
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How are Aesculapian snakes thriving in urban environments in the UK?
Aesculapian snakes, once thought to be unsuitable for the UK climate, are now making a surprising comeback by adapting to urban habitats. This raises questions about their behavior, the implications for local ecosystems, and how they differ from native snake species. Below, we explore the fascinating ways these snakes are thriving in human-dominated spaces.
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What Species Are Adapting to Urban Environments?
As urban areas expand, many wildlife species are finding ways to thrive in human-dominated landscapes. This adaptation raises important questions about the relationship between urbanization and wildlife behavior. In this article, we explore how certain species, like the Aesculapian snake, are not just surviving but thriving in cities, and what this means for our environment.
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How Are Aesculapian Snakes Thriving in Urban Areas?
Aesculapian snakes, once extinct in the UK, are now making a surprising comeback in urban environments. Their ability to adapt to human habitats raises important questions about climate change, invasive species, and the future of local ecosystems. Here are some common questions about these fascinating snakes and their urban adaptation.
More on these topics
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northÂwestern coast of the European mainland.
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Arachnophobia is a 1990 American comedy horror film directed by Frank Marshall in his directorial debut from a screenplay by Don Jakoby and Wesley Strick.
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Colorado is a state in the western United States encompassing most of the southern Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains.
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The Welsh Mountain Zoo is a zoological garden located near the town of Colwyn Bay in Conwy County, Wales. The zoo was opened on 18 May 1963 by the wildlife enthusiast and naturalist Robert Jackson. The zoo covers an area of 37 acres.