Snakes' Role In Ecology

Having suitable habitats for snakes, Nepal is home to numerous species of legless reptiles. National parks, other protected areas and their corridors are the major habitats for snakes. They also live in bushes, farms, swamp meadows and riversides. A variety of venomous snake species such as King Cobra and Krait are mostly found in tropical and sub-tropical regions while numerous other species are sighted at places with altitudes of 3,500 to 4,000 metres above sea level. Though people have a negative perception towards snakes in general, these species, as stated by herpetologists, play an essential role in maintaining balance in the entire ecosystem. In fact, snakes can be both predator as well as prey in most ecosystems. The population of snakes increases in areas where there are preys in large numbers. And these snakes can be prey for many birds, mammals and even other snakes. The King Cobra, the longest venomous snake species in the world, is considered as a snake-eater.