Are snakes important for environmental balance?
Are snakes important for environmental balance?
If snakes did not exist, there would be a lack of food for some animals and there would be an infestation of others.
We learned from an early age that each animal has a fundamental role in the ecosystem. Snakes can feed on different types of prey such as insects, amphibians, reptiles and small rodents. As prey, they serve mainly for birds, reptiles and mammals.
If there were no snakes, there would be a lack of food for some birds and the probability of a rat infestation would be greater, making these animals part of the ecosystem of forests and green spaces in which they play an important role in its balance, either through pest control and as well as the spread of disease.
The most common species in Portugal are the rat snake and the horseshoe snake. According to biologists, the second is known to adapt to urban environments and, for this reason, it is common to see it in cities.
In Jamor there are no records of any incident with snakes, the water snake having already been sighted in the bed of the river Jamor or along its banks, as well as the horseshoe snake in bush areas, where the greater probability of observation is in the months between April and September.
What to do if you find a snake on the way?
1st keep calm;
2nd try to keep your distance;
3rd walk away slowly, without making sudden movements.
How to act in case of a bite?
According to scientific books, in Portugal there are no snakes whose bite has a deadly effect, however, in case of a bite it is advisable to always seek medical assistance so that the situation is correctly assessed.
Contact the Poison Information Center (CIAV) on 800 250 250 or INEM on 112.
What procedure can I adopt until the medical emergency arrives?
Some of the measures that can be taken immediately include disinfecting the bite area and applying ice to the area, wrapped in a cloth, to avoid a cold burn. If the affected area is an arm or a leg, the affected limb must be immobilized.
14-06-2023