A flyer warning citizens to steer clear of "Jürg", a dangerous mamba gone missing, has thrown a quiet village in northern Switzerland into turmoil.
The flyer describing the sudden disappearance of the green mamba, one of the most poisonous snakes in the world, has prompted hikers to stay off the walking tracks in the Anglikon area in Canton Aargau, said a report on the 20 Minuten newspaper.
“Do not try to catch Jürg; he is extremely poisonous,” read the flyer, followed by a detailed description of the snake’s glossy grass-green colour and other features.
However, this description turned out to have been taken straight from Wikipedia, leading authorities to start doubting the ad’s authenticity.
The internet reference, together with a fake area code in the contact number and the fact that no similar snakes appear in the local exotic animal register are likely signs that the flyer was just a joke, said the newspaper.
The regional police in Wohlen had started investigating the case, but then decided to drop the search for the reptile, it said.
http://www.thelocal.ch/568/20110718/
Showing posts with label poisonous snakes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label poisonous snakes. Show all posts
Friday, July 29, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Local man wants his snake recognized as service animal
New federal guidelines issued March 15 by the U.S. Department of Justice for the Americans with Disabilities Act, recommended service animals be limited to dogs and housebroken miniature horses.
This leaves Daniel Greene, out in the cold. He told KIRO Radio's Dori Monson Show that his service animal, a snake named Red Rock sits under his jacket when he's in public.
Greene uses Red Rock to detect when a seizure might be coming on. "Red Rock is an early warning sensor for my epilepsy," Greene said, adding that the snake also warns him if he has an anxiety attack coming on.
"Red Rock will give me a gentle squeeze around the neck, and that indicates to me that something is wrong." The five-foot long boa constrictor sits on Greene's shoulders, wrapped around his neck, and sits under his jacket when in public. "It's warm for him, it's comfortable for him, he stays there."
Greene said that when Red Rock was still considered a service animal, he wasn't militant about being allowed in all public places, and that if someone didn't want the snake there, "then it's my responsibility
as the owner to keep him away from you."
He knows that's not the case for all owners with service animals, but argued that "a lot of disabled people are considerate," and would remove their animal if the owner of an establishment asked.
Even though the government has ruled against him, Greene said that the fight is not over. "I'm going to keep using him at places that will accept me in their stores."
http://mynorthwest.com/?nid=11&sid=458187
This leaves Daniel Greene, out in the cold. He told KIRO Radio's Dori Monson Show that his service animal, a snake named Red Rock sits under his jacket when he's in public.
Greene uses Red Rock to detect when a seizure might be coming on. "Red Rock is an early warning sensor for my epilepsy," Greene said, adding that the snake also warns him if he has an anxiety attack coming on.
"Red Rock will give me a gentle squeeze around the neck, and that indicates to me that something is wrong." The five-foot long boa constrictor sits on Greene's shoulders, wrapped around his neck, and sits under his jacket when in public. "It's warm for him, it's comfortable for him, he stays there."
Greene said that when Red Rock was still considered a service animal, he wasn't militant about being allowed in all public places, and that if someone didn't want the snake there, "then it's my responsibility
as the owner to keep him away from you."
He knows that's not the case for all owners with service animals, but argued that "a lot of disabled people are considerate," and would remove their animal if the owner of an establishment asked.
Even though the government has ruled against him, Greene said that the fight is not over. "I'm going to keep using him at places that will accept me in their stores."
http://mynorthwest.com/?nid=11&sid=458187
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Snakes alive! Couple finds second python hiding in their washing machine
STEVE RUSSELL/TORONTO STAR
Dan Robson Staff Reporter
When Janet Wilkinson opened her washing machine, she expected to find some laundry. Instead, she found a python.
She shrieked, “Another snake!”
Finding a python living in your home, without your consent, is a lot to handle. But finding more than one? Well, that’s terrifying.
The Royal Python Wilkinson found coiled in her washing machine on Friday night was the second snake she and her husband, Chris Forde, have found in their home in two weeks.
“Lightning only strikes in the same place once,” Wilkinson told the Toronto Star at the couple’s home near Coxwell and Danforth Aves. on Saturday. “But last night it struck again — and it is probably going to strike three or four more times.”
One snake is an anomaly. Two snakes are a family. And a local pet store informed the couple that they’ll likely meet some reptilian siblings in the near future.
The snake saga began about a month ago, when Forde ripped the toilet out the main-floor washroom for some renovations.
“This head just popped out,” he said, of the python peaking through a gap in the floorboards.
Forde, a documentary filmmaker, took a quick video of the trespasser, before it slipped back under the floor. He has documented much of the snake situation on YouTube.
Despite ripping up his basement ceiling and setting traps with dead mice and hot water bottles, the snake didn’t return.
They had lived in the home for two decades, but were planning to sell. But of course, their new tenant hindered their plans.
“It would be unethical,” Forde said, of selling a house with a python living in the walls.
They asked neighbours if they had lost a snake.
No one had.
They even put a sign on their lawn: “Lost your snake? Call us.”
No one did.
Finally, after a month with Wilkinson suffering from snake-filled nightmares, the snake reappeared. The 75-centimetre-long python sat in front of a fridge in the basement. Wilkinson saw it, and screamed. Forde came running.
“This is my time,” he thought to himself, snapping on work gloves.
Docile and resigned, the snake willingly slipped into a pillow case and then into a plastic storage bin.
Naturally, they named him Monty.
Monty went to a local pet store, where an employee promised to take care of him.
The Royal Python hails from West Africa, and is one of the most popular snakes in the pet trade. Tom Mason, a snake expert at the Toronto Zoo, says they are harmless to humans, as long as they are less than four metres long.
They can get into the same cracks and crevices a mouse can. And they can survive for more than a year on a single meal.
Mason says a python can travel “quite a ways” when it escapes from an owner, which apparently happens more than you’d like to know.
“Snakes are escape artists,” Mason said. Asked how many might be slithering, undetected, through Toronto homes, Mason refused to answer.
“I’m not even going to go there.”
Last week a metre-long California king snake slithered out of a sink overflow drain in bathroom of an apartment at 100 Wellesley St. E. The snake, named Marilyn, had escaped from its owner on a different floor. As the time of this article, it has yet to be found.
In 2007, a venomous Egyptian Cobra that was kept illegally by a man in his Church St. home got loose. The incident forced the evacuation of five tenants from an adjoining house. After an intensive five-month search, the snake was believed to be dead, but its remains were never found.
While Wilkinson barely slept Friday night, she was in a much better mood the following afternoon. She actually held the newest python intruder in her hands.
It had been through a lot, after all — apparently surviving a spin-cycle. They named it Montegue, and it will join Monty at Tails pet store in the Beaches.
No one is quite sure how the snakes got in. Regardless, there are pythons in the walls. And more are likely to come.
“There’s three or four in the family,” Wilkinson said. “I’m sure of it.”
Dan Robson Staff Reporter
When Janet Wilkinson opened her washing machine, she expected to find some laundry. Instead, she found a python.
She shrieked, “Another snake!”
Finding a python living in your home, without your consent, is a lot to handle. But finding more than one? Well, that’s terrifying.
The Royal Python Wilkinson found coiled in her washing machine on Friday night was the second snake she and her husband, Chris Forde, have found in their home in two weeks.
“Lightning only strikes in the same place once,” Wilkinson told the Toronto Star at the couple’s home near Coxwell and Danforth Aves. on Saturday. “But last night it struck again — and it is probably going to strike three or four more times.”
One snake is an anomaly. Two snakes are a family. And a local pet store informed the couple that they’ll likely meet some reptilian siblings in the near future.
The snake saga began about a month ago, when Forde ripped the toilet out the main-floor washroom for some renovations.
“This head just popped out,” he said, of the python peaking through a gap in the floorboards.
Forde, a documentary filmmaker, took a quick video of the trespasser, before it slipped back under the floor. He has documented much of the snake situation on YouTube.
Despite ripping up his basement ceiling and setting traps with dead mice and hot water bottles, the snake didn’t return.
They had lived in the home for two decades, but were planning to sell. But of course, their new tenant hindered their plans.
“It would be unethical,” Forde said, of selling a house with a python living in the walls.
They asked neighbours if they had lost a snake.
No one had.
They even put a sign on their lawn: “Lost your snake? Call us.”
No one did.
Finally, after a month with Wilkinson suffering from snake-filled nightmares, the snake reappeared. The 75-centimetre-long python sat in front of a fridge in the basement. Wilkinson saw it, and screamed. Forde came running.
“This is my time,” he thought to himself, snapping on work gloves.
Docile and resigned, the snake willingly slipped into a pillow case and then into a plastic storage bin.
Naturally, they named him Monty.
Monty went to a local pet store, where an employee promised to take care of him.
The Royal Python hails from West Africa, and is one of the most popular snakes in the pet trade. Tom Mason, a snake expert at the Toronto Zoo, says they are harmless to humans, as long as they are less than four metres long.
They can get into the same cracks and crevices a mouse can. And they can survive for more than a year on a single meal.
Mason says a python can travel “quite a ways” when it escapes from an owner, which apparently happens more than you’d like to know.
“Snakes are escape artists,” Mason said. Asked how many might be slithering, undetected, through Toronto homes, Mason refused to answer.
“I’m not even going to go there.”
Last week a metre-long California king snake slithered out of a sink overflow drain in bathroom of an apartment at 100 Wellesley St. E. The snake, named Marilyn, had escaped from its owner on a different floor. As the time of this article, it has yet to be found.
In 2007, a venomous Egyptian Cobra that was kept illegally by a man in his Church St. home got loose. The incident forced the evacuation of five tenants from an adjoining house. After an intensive five-month search, the snake was believed to be dead, but its remains were never found.
While Wilkinson barely slept Friday night, she was in a much better mood the following afternoon. She actually held the newest python intruder in her hands.
It had been through a lot, after all — apparently surviving a spin-cycle. They named it Montegue, and it will join Monty at Tails pet store in the Beaches.
No one is quite sure how the snakes got in. Regardless, there are pythons in the walls. And more are likely to come.
“There’s three or four in the family,” Wilkinson said. “I’m sure of it.”
Snakes alive! Couple finds second python hiding in their washing machine
STEVE RUSSELL/TORONTO STAR
Dan Robson Staff Reporter
When Janet Wilkinson opened her washing machine, she expected to find some laundry. Instead, she found a python.
She shrieked, “Another snake!”
Finding a python living in your home, without your consent, is a lot to handle. But finding more than one? Well, that’s terrifying.
The Royal Python Wilkinson found coiled in her washing machine on Friday night was the second snake she and her husband, Chris Forde, have found in their home in two weeks.
“Lightning only strikes in the same place once,” Wilkinson told the Toronto Star at the couple’s home near Coxwell and Danforth Aves. on Saturday. “But last night it struck again — and it is probably going to strike three or four more times.”
One snake is an anomaly. Two snakes are a family. And a local pet store informed the couple that they’ll likely meet some reptilian siblings in the near future.
The snake saga began about a month ago, when Forde ripped the toilet out the main-floor washroom for some renovations.
“This head just popped out,” he said, of the python peaking through a gap in the floorboards.
Forde, a documentary filmmaker, took a quick video of the trespasser, before it slipped back under the floor. He has documented much of the snake situation on YouTube.
Despite ripping up his basement ceiling and setting traps with dead mice and hot water bottles, the snake didn’t return.
They had lived in the home for two decades, but were planning to sell. But of course, their new tenant hindered their plans.
“It would be unethical,” Forde said, of selling a house with a python living in the walls.
They asked neighbours if they had lost a snake.
No one had.
They even put a sign on their lawn: “Lost your snake? Call us.”
No one did.
Finally, after a month with Wilkinson suffering from snake-filled nightmares, the snake reappeared. The 75-centimetre-long python sat in front of a fridge in the basement. Wilkinson saw it, and screamed. Forde came running.
“This is my time,” he thought to himself, snapping on work gloves.
Docile and resigned, the snake willingly slipped into a pillow case and then into a plastic storage bin.
Naturally, they named him Monty.
Monty went to a local pet store, where an employee promised to take care of him.
The Royal Python hails from West Africa, and is one of the most popular snakes in the pet trade. Tom Mason, a snake expert at the Toronto Zoo, says they are harmless to humans, as long as they are less than four metres long.
They can get into the same cracks and crevices a mouse can. And they can survive for more than a year on a single meal.
Mason says a python can travel “quite a ways” when it escapes from an owner, which apparently happens more than you’d like to know.
“Snakes are escape artists,” Mason said. Asked how many might be slithering, undetected, through Toronto homes, Mason refused to answer.
“I’m not even going to go there.”
Last week a metre-long California king snake slithered out of a sink overflow drain in bathroom of an apartment at 100 Wellesley St. E. The snake, named Marilyn, had escaped from its owner on a different floor. As the time of this article, it has yet to be found.
In 2007, a venomous Egyptian Cobra that was kept illegally by a man in his Church St. home got loose. The incident forced the evacuation of five tenants from an adjoining house. After an intensive five-month search, the snake was believed to be dead, but its remains were never found.
While Wilkinson barely slept Friday night, she was in a much better mood the following afternoon. She actually held the newest python intruder in her hands.
It had been through a lot, after all — apparently surviving a spin-cycle. They named it Montegue, and it will join Monty at Tails pet store in the Beaches.
No one is quite sure how the snakes got in. Regardless, there are pythons in the walls. And more are likely to come.
“There’s three or four in the family,” Wilkinson said. “I’m sure of it.”
Dan Robson Staff Reporter
When Janet Wilkinson opened her washing machine, she expected to find some laundry. Instead, she found a python.
She shrieked, “Another snake!”
Finding a python living in your home, without your consent, is a lot to handle. But finding more than one? Well, that’s terrifying.
The Royal Python Wilkinson found coiled in her washing machine on Friday night was the second snake she and her husband, Chris Forde, have found in their home in two weeks.
“Lightning only strikes in the same place once,” Wilkinson told the Toronto Star at the couple’s home near Coxwell and Danforth Aves. on Saturday. “But last night it struck again — and it is probably going to strike three or four more times.”
One snake is an anomaly. Two snakes are a family. And a local pet store informed the couple that they’ll likely meet some reptilian siblings in the near future.
The snake saga began about a month ago, when Forde ripped the toilet out the main-floor washroom for some renovations.
“This head just popped out,” he said, of the python peaking through a gap in the floorboards.
Forde, a documentary filmmaker, took a quick video of the trespasser, before it slipped back under the floor. He has documented much of the snake situation on YouTube.
Despite ripping up his basement ceiling and setting traps with dead mice and hot water bottles, the snake didn’t return.
They had lived in the home for two decades, but were planning to sell. But of course, their new tenant hindered their plans.
“It would be unethical,” Forde said, of selling a house with a python living in the walls.
They asked neighbours if they had lost a snake.
No one had.
They even put a sign on their lawn: “Lost your snake? Call us.”
No one did.
Finally, after a month with Wilkinson suffering from snake-filled nightmares, the snake reappeared. The 75-centimetre-long python sat in front of a fridge in the basement. Wilkinson saw it, and screamed. Forde came running.
“This is my time,” he thought to himself, snapping on work gloves.
Docile and resigned, the snake willingly slipped into a pillow case and then into a plastic storage bin.
Naturally, they named him Monty.
Monty went to a local pet store, where an employee promised to take care of him.
The Royal Python hails from West Africa, and is one of the most popular snakes in the pet trade. Tom Mason, a snake expert at the Toronto Zoo, says they are harmless to humans, as long as they are less than four metres long.
They can get into the same cracks and crevices a mouse can. And they can survive for more than a year on a single meal.
Mason says a python can travel “quite a ways” when it escapes from an owner, which apparently happens more than you’d like to know.
“Snakes are escape artists,” Mason said. Asked how many might be slithering, undetected, through Toronto homes, Mason refused to answer.
“I’m not even going to go there.”
Last week a metre-long California king snake slithered out of a sink overflow drain in bathroom of an apartment at 100 Wellesley St. E. The snake, named Marilyn, had escaped from its owner on a different floor. As the time of this article, it has yet to be found.
In 2007, a venomous Egyptian Cobra that was kept illegally by a man in his Church St. home got loose. The incident forced the evacuation of five tenants from an adjoining house. After an intensive five-month search, the snake was believed to be dead, but its remains were never found.
While Wilkinson barely slept Friday night, she was in a much better mood the following afternoon. She actually held the newest python intruder in her hands.
It had been through a lot, after all — apparently surviving a spin-cycle. They named it Montegue, and it will join Monty at Tails pet store in the Beaches.
No one is quite sure how the snakes got in. Regardless, there are pythons in the walls. And more are likely to come.
“There’s three or four in the family,” Wilkinson said. “I’m sure of it.”
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
World’s rarest snake, The Antiguan Racer, saved from extinction
November 2010. Conservationists working in the West Indies have made great strides towards saving the world's rarest snake, the Antiguan racer (Alsophis antiguae). The population has dramatically climbed from just 50 individuals in the mid-nineties to more than 500 today.
Rat eradication has led to 3000% increase in birdsThe ten-fold increase is due to the successful partnership of six local and international organizations that make up the Antiguan Racer Conservation Project. The initiative has carried out nation-wide environmental education, the removal of alien rats that attacked the snakes and a pioneering reintroduction programme. Remarkably, the snake conservation efforts have also benefited other native wildlife that share its habitat, with the number of birds having increased by 30-fold in 15 years.
1995 - Just 50 snakes alive on 1 island
Research by British and Antiguan scientists in 1995 discovered only 50 Antiguan racer survived, all confined to the 8-hectare Great Bird Island, off the coast of Antigua. The mongoose, an Asian species introduced by humans, wiped out the snakes from mainland Antigua, while another alien species, Eurasian black rats, attacked the last of the species on Great Bird Island. The defenceless snakes were also killed by people. Hence, the Antiguan Racer Conservation Project was launched as an emergency bid to save the critically endangered species from imminent extinction.
Rats cleared from 12 islands
Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, the Project has removed rats from 12 of Antigua's offshore islands and increased the snake population by ten-fold. Through careful reintroduction of individual snakes, the area occupied by the Antiguan racer has been boosted eight-fold to 63 hectares. The snakes have become accepted, even liked, by local residents and visitors. Trained local volunteers monitor the wildlife and keep their islands rat-free. The Antiguan racer still faces many challenges, including global sea level rise, but a new action plan is being developed which is expected to find additional areas where the snakes can be re-established and protected.
Local volunteers
"I am proud we proved the pessimists wrong, and turned the fortunes of this unique and endearing animal", said Dr Jenny Daltry, FFI Senior Conservation Biologist. "Many people have contributed over the years, but special credit must go to the local volunteers. This success is a testament to their dedication."
Dr Brian Smith, a Professor in Biology at Black Hills State University, adds, "Working with students in Antigua has been a highlight of my professional career. Being part of an international collaboration to rescue this snake from the brink of extinction has been immensely gratifying".
"Although the population of the racer has grown by leaps, we cannot stop now", warns Natalya Lawrence, Programme Coordinator, Environmental Awareness Group. "There is still a need for public awareness, continued monitoring, and stronger laws to protect the snake and other endangered species on our islands."
Pelicans, turtles and lizards benefit
Removing rats from a dozen offshore islands has benefitted many other Antiguan species beyond the snake. For example, Caribbean brown pelicans have increased from only two breeding pairs to more than 60 pairs on the first islands to be restored, while rare white-crowned pigeons have exploded from five pairs to more than 450 pairs. Sea turtles and lizards have also benefitted from reduced predation of their eggs by rats and even the plant life has improved.
Global model
"An important by-product of the Antiguan Racer Conservation Project has been to demonstrate a globally-relevant model for conservation of biodiversity", said Bruce Potter, President of Island Resources Foundation. "Offshore islands are being turned into reserves where public and private organizations can control invasive species and manage tourism development pressures more effectively".
In 2006, the offshore islands became part of a major new marine protected area: the North East Marine Management Area. This stunningly beautiful area draws at least 50,000 local and international visitors every year and covers a quarter of Antigua's coastline, making it the country's largest protected area for biodiversity conservation.
About the Antiguan Racer Conservation Project
The Antiguan Racer Conservation Project was founded in 1995 and co-managed by six national and international organizations: Environmental Awareness Group, Forestry Unit Ministry of Agriculture, Housing, Lands and the Environment), Black Hills State University, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Fauna & Flora International, and the Island Resources Foundation. The project operates as part of the Offshore Islands Conservation Programme, which works to restore and conserve Antigua's offshore island ecosystems for the benefit of biodiversity and local people. The project's current sponsors are the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund, Mohammed bin Zayed
Species Conservation Fund, Syngenta and US Fish and Wildlife Service (Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Fund and Neotropical Migratory Birds Conservation Act).
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/antiguan-racer.html
Credit Jenny Daltry/FFI
Rat eradication has led to 3000% increase in birds
1995 - Just 50 snakes alive on 1 island
Research by British and Antiguan scientists in 1995 discovered only 50 Antiguan racer survived, all confined to the 8-hectare Great Bird Island, off the coast of Antigua. The mongoose, an Asian species introduced by humans, wiped out the snakes from mainland Antigua, while another alien species, Eurasian black rats, attacked the last of the species on Great Bird Island. The defenceless snakes were also killed by people. Hence, the Antiguan Racer Conservation Project was launched as an emergency bid to save the critically endangered species from imminent extinction.
Rats cleared from 12 islands
Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, the Project has removed rats from 12 of Antigua's offshore islands and increased the snake population by ten-fold. Through careful reintroduction of individual snakes, the area occupied by the Antiguan racer has been boosted eight-fold to 63 hectares. The snakes have become accepted, even liked, by local residents and visitors. Trained local volunteers monitor the wildlife and keep their islands rat-free. The Antiguan racer still faces many challenges, including global sea level rise, but a new action plan is being developed which is expected to find additional areas where the snakes can be re-established and protected.
Local volunteers
"I am proud we proved the pessimists wrong, and turned the fortunes of this unique and endearing animal", said Dr Jenny Daltry, FFI Senior Conservation Biologist. "Many people have contributed over the years, but special credit must go to the local volunteers. This success is a testament to their dedication."
Dr Brian Smith, a Professor in Biology at Black Hills State University, adds, "Working with students in Antigua has been a highlight of my professional career. Being part of an international collaboration to rescue this snake from the brink of extinction has been immensely gratifying".
"Although the population of the racer has grown by leaps, we cannot stop now", warns Natalya Lawrence, Programme Coordinator, Environmental Awareness Group. "There is still a need for public awareness, continued monitoring, and stronger laws to protect the snake and other endangered species on our islands."
Pelicans, turtles and lizards benefit
Removing rats from a dozen offshore islands has benefitted many other Antiguan species beyond the snake. For example, Caribbean brown pelicans have increased from only two breeding pairs to more than 60 pairs on the first islands to be restored, while rare white-crowned pigeons have exploded from five pairs to more than 450 pairs. Sea turtles and lizards have also benefitted from reduced predation of their eggs by rats and even the plant life has improved.
Global model
"An important by-product of the Antiguan Racer Conservation Project has been to demonstrate a globally-relevant model for conservation of biodiversity", said Bruce Potter, President of Island Resources Foundation. "Offshore islands are being turned into reserves where public and private organizations can control invasive species and manage tourism development pressures more effectively".
In 2006, the offshore islands became part of a major new marine protected area: the North East Marine Management Area. This stunningly beautiful area draws at least 50,000 local and international visitors every year and covers a quarter of Antigua's coastline, making it the country's largest protected area for biodiversity conservation.
About the Antiguan Racer Conservation Project
The Antiguan Racer Conservation Project was founded in 1995 and co-managed by six national and international organizations: Environmental Awareness Group, Forestry Unit Ministry of Agriculture, Housing, Lands and the Environment), Black Hills State University, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Fauna & Flora International, and the Island Resources Foundation. The project operates as part of the Offshore Islands Conservation Programme, which works to restore and conserve Antigua's offshore island ecosystems for the benefit of biodiversity and local people. The project's current sponsors are the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund, Mohammed bin Zayed
Species Conservation Fund, Syngenta and US Fish and Wildlife Service (Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Fund and Neotropical Migratory Birds Conservation Act).
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/antiguan-racer.html
World’s rarest snake, The Antiguan Racer, saved from extinction
November 2010. Conservationists working in the West Indies have made great strides towards saving the world's rarest snake, the Antiguan racer (Alsophis antiguae). The population has dramatically climbed from just 50 individuals in the mid-nineties to more than 500 today.
Rat eradication has led to 3000% increase in birdsThe ten-fold increase is due to the successful partnership of six local and international organizations that make up the Antiguan Racer Conservation Project. The initiative has carried out nation-wide environmental education, the removal of alien rats that attacked the snakes and a pioneering reintroduction programme. Remarkably, the snake conservation efforts have also benefited other native wildlife that share its habitat, with the number of birds having increased by 30-fold in 15 years.
1995 - Just 50 snakes alive on 1 island
Research by British and Antiguan scientists in 1995 discovered only 50 Antiguan racer survived, all confined to the 8-hectare Great Bird Island, off the coast of Antigua. The mongoose, an Asian species introduced by humans, wiped out the snakes from mainland Antigua, while another alien species, Eurasian black rats, attacked the last of the species on Great Bird Island. The defenceless snakes were also killed by people. Hence, the Antiguan Racer Conservation Project was launched as an emergency bid to save the critically endangered species from imminent extinction.
Rats cleared from 12 islands
Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, the Project has removed rats from 12 of Antigua's offshore islands and increased the snake population by ten-fold. Through careful reintroduction of individual snakes, the area occupied by the Antiguan racer has been boosted eight-fold to 63 hectares. The snakes have become accepted, even liked, by local residents and visitors. Trained local volunteers monitor the wildlife and keep their islands rat-free. The Antiguan racer still faces many challenges, including global sea level rise, but a new action plan is being developed which is expected to find additional areas where the snakes can be re-established and protected.
Local volunteers
"I am proud we proved the pessimists wrong, and turned the fortunes of this unique and endearing animal", said Dr Jenny Daltry, FFI Senior Conservation Biologist. "Many people have contributed over the years, but special credit must go to the local volunteers. This success is a testament to their dedication."
Dr Brian Smith, a Professor in Biology at Black Hills State University, adds, "Working with students in Antigua has been a highlight of my professional career. Being part of an international collaboration to rescue this snake from the brink of extinction has been immensely gratifying".
"Although the population of the racer has grown by leaps, we cannot stop now", warns Natalya Lawrence, Programme Coordinator, Environmental Awareness Group. "There is still a need for public awareness, continued monitoring, and stronger laws to protect the snake and other endangered species on our islands."
Pelicans, turtles and lizards benefit
Removing rats from a dozen offshore islands has benefitted many other Antiguan species beyond the snake. For example, Caribbean brown pelicans have increased from only two breeding pairs to more than 60 pairs on the first islands to be restored, while rare white-crowned pigeons have exploded from five pairs to more than 450 pairs. Sea turtles and lizards have also benefitted from reduced predation of their eggs by rats and even the plant life has improved.
Global model
"An important by-product of the Antiguan Racer Conservation Project has been to demonstrate a globally-relevant model for conservation of biodiversity", said Bruce Potter, President of Island Resources Foundation. "Offshore islands are being turned into reserves where public and private organizations can control invasive species and manage tourism development pressures more effectively".
In 2006, the offshore islands became part of a major new marine protected area: the North East Marine Management Area. This stunningly beautiful area draws at least 50,000 local and international visitors every year and covers a quarter of Antigua's coastline, making it the country's largest protected area for biodiversity conservation.
About the Antiguan Racer Conservation Project
The Antiguan Racer Conservation Project was founded in 1995 and co-managed by six national and international organizations: Environmental Awareness Group, Forestry Unit Ministry of Agriculture, Housing, Lands and the Environment), Black Hills State University, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Fauna & Flora International, and the Island Resources Foundation. The project operates as part of the Offshore Islands Conservation Programme, which works to restore and conserve Antigua's offshore island ecosystems for the benefit of biodiversity and local people. The project's current sponsors are the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund, Mohammed bin Zayed
Species Conservation Fund, Syngenta and US Fish and Wildlife Service (Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Fund and Neotropical Migratory Birds Conservation Act).
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/antiguan-racer.html
Credit Jenny Daltry/FFI
Rat eradication has led to 3000% increase in birds
1995 - Just 50 snakes alive on 1 island
Research by British and Antiguan scientists in 1995 discovered only 50 Antiguan racer survived, all confined to the 8-hectare Great Bird Island, off the coast of Antigua. The mongoose, an Asian species introduced by humans, wiped out the snakes from mainland Antigua, while another alien species, Eurasian black rats, attacked the last of the species on Great Bird Island. The defenceless snakes were also killed by people. Hence, the Antiguan Racer Conservation Project was launched as an emergency bid to save the critically endangered species from imminent extinction.
Rats cleared from 12 islands
Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, the Project has removed rats from 12 of Antigua's offshore islands and increased the snake population by ten-fold. Through careful reintroduction of individual snakes, the area occupied by the Antiguan racer has been boosted eight-fold to 63 hectares. The snakes have become accepted, even liked, by local residents and visitors. Trained local volunteers monitor the wildlife and keep their islands rat-free. The Antiguan racer still faces many challenges, including global sea level rise, but a new action plan is being developed which is expected to find additional areas where the snakes can be re-established and protected.
Local volunteers
"I am proud we proved the pessimists wrong, and turned the fortunes of this unique and endearing animal", said Dr Jenny Daltry, FFI Senior Conservation Biologist. "Many people have contributed over the years, but special credit must go to the local volunteers. This success is a testament to their dedication."
Dr Brian Smith, a Professor in Biology at Black Hills State University, adds, "Working with students in Antigua has been a highlight of my professional career. Being part of an international collaboration to rescue this snake from the brink of extinction has been immensely gratifying".
"Although the population of the racer has grown by leaps, we cannot stop now", warns Natalya Lawrence, Programme Coordinator, Environmental Awareness Group. "There is still a need for public awareness, continued monitoring, and stronger laws to protect the snake and other endangered species on our islands."
Pelicans, turtles and lizards benefit
Removing rats from a dozen offshore islands has benefitted many other Antiguan species beyond the snake. For example, Caribbean brown pelicans have increased from only two breeding pairs to more than 60 pairs on the first islands to be restored, while rare white-crowned pigeons have exploded from five pairs to more than 450 pairs. Sea turtles and lizards have also benefitted from reduced predation of their eggs by rats and even the plant life has improved.
Global model
"An important by-product of the Antiguan Racer Conservation Project has been to demonstrate a globally-relevant model for conservation of biodiversity", said Bruce Potter, President of Island Resources Foundation. "Offshore islands are being turned into reserves where public and private organizations can control invasive species and manage tourism development pressures more effectively".
In 2006, the offshore islands became part of a major new marine protected area: the North East Marine Management Area. This stunningly beautiful area draws at least 50,000 local and international visitors every year and covers a quarter of Antigua's coastline, making it the country's largest protected area for biodiversity conservation.
About the Antiguan Racer Conservation Project
The Antiguan Racer Conservation Project was founded in 1995 and co-managed by six national and international organizations: Environmental Awareness Group, Forestry Unit Ministry of Agriculture, Housing, Lands and the Environment), Black Hills State University, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Fauna & Flora International, and the Island Resources Foundation. The project operates as part of the Offshore Islands Conservation Programme, which works to restore and conserve Antigua's offshore island ecosystems for the benefit of biodiversity and local people. The project's current sponsors are the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund, Mohammed bin Zayed
Species Conservation Fund, Syngenta and US Fish and Wildlife Service (Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Fund and Neotropical Migratory Birds Conservation Act).
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/antiguan-racer.html
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Poisonous snake discovered in box of grapes
A poisonous snake has been discovered in a box of grapes in a factory in County Armagh.
The 10" long adder was found during a quality check by a worker at Orchard County Foods in Craigavon.
The grapes were imported from Spain.
The staff member did not panic and raised the alarm with management.
The USPCA was called to the scene and took the snake away to a specialist reptile shop in Belfast.
Wayne Hull from City Reptiles says he is sure the snake is an adder but has yet to distinguish the exact species.
He said: "The order came from Spain so I need to identify it as a European species. I can't really say much about it until I have properly identified it.
Venomous glands
"He is a baby. He is about 10 inches and will probably grow to around 18 inches.
"This is the first time we have had this kind of snake brought in to us. We get a couple of stray snakes because of inadequate housing and people not looking after them. But this is a first."
Wayne said the reptile is poisonous and dangerous to anyone who is allergic the bee stings.
He added: "You can tell that it is some sort of adder because of the shape of its head.
"It turns into a diamond shape when it gets annoyed. This is because it has venomous glands on either side."
Wayne says the snake is currently feeding on small mice.
A spokesman for the USPCA said the finding has now been reported to the Environment and Heritage Service.
He added: "Discoveries like this do happen, more commonly with spiders. This is the first time we have seen that species of snake.
"As it is not a native species it cannot be re-homed here. I suspect it will go to one of the Environment and Heritage Service' s facilities in England and then possibly back to Spain."
Orchard County Foods said it did not want to comment on the discovery other than to say it has launched an internal investigation to find out how the snake got to Northern Ireland.
The 10" long adder was found during a quality check by a worker at Orchard County Foods in Craigavon.
The grapes were imported from Spain.
The staff member did not panic and raised the alarm with management.
The USPCA was called to the scene and took the snake away to a specialist reptile shop in Belfast.
Wayne Hull from City Reptiles says he is sure the snake is an adder but has yet to distinguish the exact species.
He said: "The order came from Spain so I need to identify it as a European species. I can't really say much about it until I have properly identified it.
Venomous glands
"He is a baby. He is about 10 inches and will probably grow to around 18 inches.
"This is the first time we have had this kind of snake brought in to us. We get a couple of stray snakes because of inadequate housing and people not looking after them. But this is a first."
Wayne said the reptile is poisonous and dangerous to anyone who is allergic the bee stings.
He added: "You can tell that it is some sort of adder because of the shape of its head.
"It turns into a diamond shape when it gets annoyed. This is because it has venomous glands on either side."
Wayne says the snake is currently feeding on small mice.
A spokesman for the USPCA said the finding has now been reported to the Environment and Heritage Service.
He added: "Discoveries like this do happen, more commonly with spiders. This is the first time we have seen that species of snake.
"As it is not a native species it cannot be re-homed here. I suspect it will go to one of the Environment and Heritage Service' s facilities in England and then possibly back to Spain."
Orchard County Foods said it did not want to comment on the discovery other than to say it has launched an internal investigation to find out how the snake got to Northern Ireland.
Poisonous snake discovered in box of grapes
A poisonous snake has been discovered in a box of grapes in a factory in County Armagh.
The 10" long adder was found during a quality check by a worker at Orchard County Foods in Craigavon.
The grapes were imported from Spain.
The staff member did not panic and raised the alarm with management.
The USPCA was called to the scene and took the snake away to a specialist reptile shop in Belfast.
Wayne Hull from City Reptiles says he is sure the snake is an adder but has yet to distinguish the exact species.
He said: "The order came from Spain so I need to identify it as a European species. I can't really say much about it until I have properly identified it.
Venomous glands
"He is a baby. He is about 10 inches and will probably grow to around 18 inches.
"This is the first time we have had this kind of snake brought in to us. We get a couple of stray snakes because of inadequate housing and people not looking after them. But this is a first."
Wayne said the reptile is poisonous and dangerous to anyone who is allergic the bee stings.
He added: "You can tell that it is some sort of adder because of the shape of its head.
"It turns into a diamond shape when it gets annoyed. This is because it has venomous glands on either side."
Wayne says the snake is currently feeding on small mice.
A spokesman for the USPCA said the finding has now been reported to the Environment and Heritage Service.
He added: "Discoveries like this do happen, more commonly with spiders. This is the first time we have seen that species of snake.
"As it is not a native species it cannot be re-homed here. I suspect it will go to one of the Environment and Heritage Service' s facilities in England and then possibly back to Spain."
Orchard County Foods said it did not want to comment on the discovery other than to say it has launched an internal investigation to find out how the snake got to Northern Ireland.
The 10" long adder was found during a quality check by a worker at Orchard County Foods in Craigavon.
The grapes were imported from Spain.
The staff member did not panic and raised the alarm with management.
The USPCA was called to the scene and took the snake away to a specialist reptile shop in Belfast.
Wayne Hull from City Reptiles says he is sure the snake is an adder but has yet to distinguish the exact species.
He said: "The order came from Spain so I need to identify it as a European species. I can't really say much about it until I have properly identified it.
Venomous glands
"He is a baby. He is about 10 inches and will probably grow to around 18 inches.
"This is the first time we have had this kind of snake brought in to us. We get a couple of stray snakes because of inadequate housing and people not looking after them. But this is a first."
Wayne said the reptile is poisonous and dangerous to anyone who is allergic the bee stings.
He added: "You can tell that it is some sort of adder because of the shape of its head.
"It turns into a diamond shape when it gets annoyed. This is because it has venomous glands on either side."
Wayne says the snake is currently feeding on small mice.
A spokesman for the USPCA said the finding has now been reported to the Environment and Heritage Service.
He added: "Discoveries like this do happen, more commonly with spiders. This is the first time we have seen that species of snake.
"As it is not a native species it cannot be re-homed here. I suspect it will go to one of the Environment and Heritage Service' s facilities in England and then possibly back to Spain."
Orchard County Foods said it did not want to comment on the discovery other than to say it has launched an internal investigation to find out how the snake got to Northern Ireland.
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