Lessons from the Aesculapian Snake and the Need for a Paradigm Shift in a Warming World

Climate Change and the Movement of Species

Animals have specific climate preferences, and these preferences determine where they can survive. However, human-driven climate change is shifting these "climate envelopes," forcing many species to move to new locations.

For flying and marine animals, this movement is relatively easy. Birds and butterflies, for example, can follow their shifting climate niches to cooler areas. However, grounded animals like reptiles and mammals face significant challenges. Roads, human-made obstacles, and natural barriers like the English Channel can prevent them from reaching suitable habitats, making them vulnerable to extinction.

This presents a dilemma for conservationists. Traditionally, conservation efforts have focused on preserving species within their existing ranges. However, with climate change, this approach is becoming increasingly untenable.

The Case of the Aesculapian Snake

The Aesculapian snake, a non-venomous reptile native to central and southern Europe, provides a case study for this dilemma. Accidental introductions have established populations in Colwyn Bay, north Wales, and along the Regent's Canal in London. These populations are thriving, even though the snakes are further north than their natural range.

Our research shows that these snakes survive the cooler climate by utilizing buildings, compost bins, and other human-made structures for shelter and warmth. They also appear to coexist peacefully with local wildlife and residents.

Rethinking Conservation in a Changing World

The Aesculapian snake raises important questions about how we should approach conservation in a rapidly changing world. Should we continue to focus on preserving species within their pre-industrial ranges, or should we accept that climate change necessitates shifts in species distributions?

We argue that we need to adopt a new approach to conservation, one that incorporates the reality of climate change and dispenses with the narrow constraints of national boundaries and pre-industrial distributions. This approach may involve assisting species that cannot move on their own, but it must be done carefully and responsibly to avoid unintended consequences.

The Aesculapian snake, with its adaptability and resilience, can serve as a model for this new way of thinking about conservation. By embracing change and focusing on the long-term survival of species, we can ensure a future where biodiversity thrives, even in the face of a changing climate.