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April 2026 - Snakes as ecosystem stabilisers

Snakes are vital in the food chain, by serving as both predator and prey. Removing one link in the food chain can cause disastrous effects on an ecosystem.

As predators, they keep prey populations like rodents under control. Snakes have the ability to increase their food intake, with some snakes, like Puff Adders, increasing their food intake up to 750% when food is abundant. A large Puff Adder can eat more than 15kg of rats in a year. This ability makes them far more efficient at controlling rat and mouse populations than, for instance, owls. This has significant ecological and economic implications. Mice and rats are well-known agricultural pests that damage crops and stored grain, leading to economic losses. Outbursts of rodents can also spread diseases and parts of northern Namibia still experience bubonic plague transmitted by fleas from infected rats and mice. In addition to keeping pest populations under control, snakes help reduce the need for chemical rodenticides, which have harmful environmental consequences.

A large Puff Adder can eat more than 15kg of rats in a year, making them a valuable pest control agent. Photo Luke Kemp

In turn, snakes act as prey to other animals and are part of the diet of mammals, birds, and reptiles, including other snakes.

Ophiophagy (snakes eating other snakes) is observed in many species worldwide, including the file snakes and many cobras. Ophiophagy is common among wild cobras, and it is estimated that snakes make up as much as one-third of a Cape Cobra's (Naja nivea) diet, with Puff Adders (Bitis arietans) being among their favourite prey items. The King Cobras of Asia feed almost exclusively on other snakes.

Many snakes eat other snakes. Cobras are especially well-known for feeding on other snakes. Here a young Snouted Cobra is eating a Short-snouted Grass Snake. Photo Luke Kemp

Challenges

Snakes encounter several ecological challenges, such as the indirect and direct effects of humans, including habitat loss, climate change, and fragmentation. In some cases, snakes have been vilified as harmful to humans, and many people believe that the only good snake is a dead snake, despite most species in Africa being only mildly venomous or harmless to humans. Unfortunately, many snakes are needlessly killed by humans each year. A study conducted in Australia, published in the Journal of Herpetology in March 2000, revealed that people are 20 times more likely to move towards a snake, and 100 times more likely to attack a snake, than a snake is to move towards or attack a person.

A decline in snake populations could lead to an imbalance within ecosystems. Their populations should be safeguarded to maintain the ecological balance they contribute to, and conservation efforts should integrate pollution control, habitat restoration, and the education of the public on the importance of snakes in the environment.

Most snake bites in Africa are from harmless or mildly venomous snakes and do not cause any significant symptoms like this Striped Skaapsteker. Photo Luke Kemp. 

What can I do? 

- Avoid using harmful pesticides or “snake repellents”: There are no substances that repel snakes. Various snake repellents have been tested, and to date, none of them has been found to be effective. Read more about the truth about snake repellents here: https://www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com/articles/snake-repellents/

- Let the snake be: If you come across a snake in its natural environment and it is not a threat to humans or pets, leave the snake, and it will be on its way. Snakes will much rather avoid humans.

- Call a snake remover: If you do come across a snake on your property and you are not comfortable removing it yourself, it would be best to contact a permitted snake remover. Snake removers can be found on our free mobile app ASI Snakes or on our website.

Read more about what to do if you encounter a snake in your house here: https://www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com/articles/what-to-do-if-you-encounter-a-snake-in-your-house/

- Education: The African Snakebite Institute has the largest database of information available for free on our website and app ASI Snakes. Download our App: https://www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com/app/ and help spread the information.

- Snake Awareness courses: The African Snakebite Institute has a large variety of online and in-person Snake Awareness & Venomous Snake Handling courses. We are the leading training provider of Snake Awareness, First Aid for Snakebite, and Venomous Snake Handling courses in Africa. If you are nervous of snakes or would like to learn more and build some confidence, come join us on one of our weekend public courses. You can find future dates on our website.

- Correct Snake equipment: Using the correct snake handling equipment can make a huge difference. Explore the largest range of quality snake handling equipment and safety equipment in Africa on our website. https://www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com/shop/

Education and awareness can help reduce fear and myths about snakes. Knowledge is power.
Photo Tim Brammer. 

 We have the largest selection of African online Snake Courses! View the options and sign up here.

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African Snakebite Institute | +27 60 957 2713
E-mail admin@asiorg.co.za
Find out more at www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com

Johan Marais is the author of various books on reptiles including the best-seller - A Complete Guide to Snakes of Southern Africa. He is a popular public speaker and CEO of the African Snakebite Institute.

The African Snakebite Institute (ASI) offers a variety of courses including Snake Awareness, Scorpion Awareness and Venomous Snake Handling. ASI is accredited by the International Society of Zoological Sciences (ISZS) and is a Travel Doctor-approved service provider. The courses are also accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). ASI is the largest provider of quality snake handling and safety equipment in Africa!

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