Newsroom
July 16 marks World Snake Day, an annual opportunity to learn more about one of Cyprus' most misunderstood native animals and the important role it plays in the island's environment.
Although snakes are often met with fear, experts say they are an essential part of Cyprus' natural ecosystems. By feeding on rodents, they help keep pest populations under control, reducing the need for poisons and other methods that can harm wildlife and the environment.
Every snake species found in Cyprus is protected by national law, including the Protection and Management of Nature and Wildlife Law of 2003, as well as by European legislation and international conventions. Killing or deliberately harming these animals is therefore prohibited.
Despite these legal protections, snakes are still frequently killed because of misconceptions about the danger they pose. In reality, most species found on the island are harmless to people, and encounters rarely result in problems when the animals are left undisturbed.
Conservation authorities encourage the public to become more familiar with Cyprus' native snake species and to recognise their value in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Greater understanding, they say, can help reduce unnecessary killings while protecting the island's biodiversity.
As World Snake Day is observed around the globe, the message for Cyprus is a simple one: snakes are an important part of the island's natural heritage and deserve both respect and protection.
