Spain is home to a great diversity of animal species, and among the most notable reptiles are several big snakes. Although many people are afraid of these reptiles, most snakes that live in the Iberian Peninsula are harmless and play an essential role in the food chain, since they control populations of small mammals, birds and other animals.
Of the imposing bastard snake For the viper snake, each of these species has unique characteristics that make them vital for the balance of ecosystems. These snakes are harmless to humans and play a key role in maintaining ecological balance, since they control the environment. rodent populations and other small animals, preventing them from becoming parasites.
1. Bastard snake (Malpolon monspessulanus)
The bastard snake holds the title of the largest snake in Spainmeasuring up to 2.5 meters in length. This species belongs to the Colubridae family and is very common in the southwestern regions of Europe and North Africa.
Its body has tones ranging from gray to green, which allows it to easily camouflage itself in its surroundings. natural environment. Juveniles have a pattern of dark spots that fade as they grow. It has venom glands that help it immobilize its prey, although its bite rarely poses a serious risk to humans.
It’s a day snakewhich means that it is more active during the day, when it usually climbs bushes and trees with great agility in search of small mammals and birds. It is widely distributed throughout the Iberian Peninsula, preferring warm, dry habitats such as scrub and grassland areas.
2. Ladder snake (Rhinechis scalaris)
The ladder snake, which can reach a length of up to 1.6 meters, is very easy to recognize thanks to its two dark lines which run along his back, similar to the rungs of a ladder.
Adults range in color from light brown to gray, with the aforementioned distinctive black lines. Juveniles have a more pronounced and darker pattern. It is not toxic and its bite does not represent a risk for humans.
It feeds mainly on small mammals, although it also hunts reptiles and birds. It prefers dry, sunny areas, being very common in agricultural areas and scrub areas. It is widely distributed throughout the Iberian Peninsula, even reaching the south of France.
3. Horseshoe snake (Hemorrhois hippocrepis)
The horseshoe snake can reach up to 1.8 meters in length. Its name comes from the stain on horseshoe shape which presents itself in the head.
He has a slim body and a coloring that varies between light brown and yellowish, with dark spots on the back that help it camouflage. It is agile, fast and non-toxic, making it harmless to humans.
It is more active during the day, although in very hot areas it can show itself evening activity. It usually easily climbs trees and rocks in search of prey, such as rodents and birds. It is found mainly in southern Spain and the Balearic Islands, preferring rocky areas.
4. Southern Smooth Snake (Coronella Girondica)
Although the southern smooth snake is not as large as the previous ones, it can reach up to one meter longmaking it one of the longest species in Spain.
Features
It is from brown or grayish color with dark spots and a small rounded head. This snake is nocturnal and mainly hunts lizards and small mammals.
It is distributed in a good part of the Iberian Peninsula, adapting to a variety of habitatssuch as forests and dense scrub areas. It can also be found in crop fields.
5. Viper snake (Natrix maura)
The viper snake, which reaches up to 1.3 meters in length, is distinguished by its resemblance to vipers, particularly by its zigzag pattern in his body. However, unlike vipers, the viper snake is not venomous.
Although it imitates the behavior of vipers when it feels threatened, by flattening its head and hissing, it is not venomous. Its diet mainly consists of fish and amphibians, as it is a semi-aquatic snake.
We commonly find near bodies of waterloves rivers and lakes and is an excellent swimmer. It is common throughout the Iberian Peninsula and in parts of southern France.
Despite their imposing appearance, these five species of snakes present in Spain They are essentially calm and tend to stay away from human contact. The conservation of their habitats is crucial to ensure their survival, as well as to promote the balance and health of natural ecosystems in Spain. Protecting these environments not only benefits the snakes, but also contributes to the well-being of various species that depend on these ecosystems for their existence.
