A groundbreaking study has revealed that climate change is likely to drive venomous snakes away from their traditional habitats in arid regions and towards densely populated coastal areas. This shift poses an increased risk of snakebite incidents for millions of people living in these vulnerable regions, with projections indicating significant changes by 2050 and 2090.
Climate Change and Snake Migration Patterns
According to research published in the journal *PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases*, snake populations are expected to migrate towards higher latitudes and more populated regions as rising temperatures render their current habitats increasingly inhospitable. The study specifically highlights Australia’s east coast, where snakes are predicted to move from the arid interior into more densely populated southern areas, raising concerns about public safety and health.
The researchers modelled the habitats of all 508 medically significant venomous snake species globally, predicting substantial shifts in their ranges. The study notes a surprising lack of detailed knowledge about the distribution of many venomous snakes, despite their significant impact on human health through snakebites. “Before this study, surprisingly little was known about the exact distribution of many medically important snakes, even some widespread ones that cause many bites,” the report states.
Areas of Concern: Human and Snake Interactions
The study identifies that the highest overlaps between human populations and snake habitats are found in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. These regions already bear a considerable burden from snakebites, with the situation expected to worsen as climate change progresses. Notably, the Indian subcontinent, eastern North America, and parts of China are projected to see a significant increase in human-snake interactions by the end of the century.
Particularly concerning are the four snake species with the most significant anticipated increases in human exposure by 2090: the black-necked spitting cobra, the many-banded krait, the cottonmouth, and the copperhead. The research team utilised a resolution of approximately one kilometre, drawing from various data sources, including public databases and citizen science platforms, to create a comprehensive model of snake distribution.
Implications for Public Health and Conservation
Snakebites currently result in approximately 138,000 fatalities and 400,000 disabilities annually, predominantly affecting poor rural communities in lower-income countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to halve the incidence of snakebites by 2030. However, the study highlights that human behaviour complicates this risk landscape. For instance, agricultural workers lacking protective gear are at heightened risk compared to those using machinery.
Extreme weather events, driven by climate change, are also known to exacerbate the incidence of snakebites, as floods can displace both snakes and humans. The researchers argue that their findings can inform strategic planning regarding antivenom stockpiling, resource allocation for health facilities, and targeted conservation efforts for at-risk snake species. “The first step in helping victims of snakebite is to know where people and snakes interact the most so we can get support to the right places and the right people,” the authors assert.
While some snake species are predicted to expand their ranges, others, particularly in the Congo and Amazon basins, may face significant losses. The puff adder, a widely distributed snake responsible for numerous bites across Africa, is also expected to lose much of its current range, raising further conservation concerns.
Climate Change: A Global Emergency
The findings coincide with alarming reports from the United Nations regarding the state of the global climate. The World Meteorological Organization’s *State of the Global Climate 2025* report indicates that the period from 2015 to 2025 has been the hottest on record, with temperatures around 1.43°C above pre-industrial levels. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that all key climate indicators are “flashing red,” emphasising the urgent need for action to address the impacts of climate change.
The study employs a worst-case emissions scenario to project the future of snake habitats, arguing that preparing for the most severe outcomes provides the best foundation for public health measures. As climate change continues to reshape ecosystems, understanding these dynamics is crucial for safeguarding both human and wildlife health.
Why it Matters
As climate change accelerates, the encroachment of venomous snakes into populated areas represents a pressing public health challenge. The anticipated rise in snakebite incidents underlines the need for proactive measures in health care and conservation strategies. Addressing these risks will require a concerted effort from governments, health organisations, and local communities to protect vulnerable populations and mitigate the impacts of climate change on both human and animal health.
