Ecology: An environmental quiz
By: Mohammed Ahmed al-Feelabi.
I was new to the field of environmental activities when Mr. Issa Madibo, head of the Sudanese Society for the Protection of the Environment branch in El Daein, East Darfur, tested my knowledge in front of students during the closing ceremony of an environmental advocacy training course for branch members. As he thanked me and presented me with a gift from the local industry, which happened to be a shoe made of snake skin, I apologized and mentioned that anyone committed to the environment would not contribute to violating international environmental laws, specifically referencing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES) signed in 1975.
The incident reminded me of the social media backlash against the seizure of over 3,000 smuggled snake skins in local markets. The demand for leather goods has led to the brutal hunting of snakes for their skin. An officer from the wildlife police confirmed that the hides were likely smuggled across Sudan’s western border and suspected of money laundering. Snakes fall on the third list of the Extinction Threat List and are only allowed to be hunted within specific limits in accordance with the law.
Some users of snakeskin leather goods, such as shoes, bags, and accessories, believe that they bring good luck. In certain traditional cultures, snakes are symbolized as wealth and fortune, and some believe that killing snakes brings wealth. However, this belief is not supported by scientific evidence and is therefore not a valid reason for the trafficking of snakes.
In East Asia, an industrial cooperative for snake hunters was established in 1978 in India. Their aim was to regulate hunting and extract toxins from which the anti-bite serum is made that previously killed tens of thousands of people every year. Six companies now produce about 1.5 million serum vials every year. According to the law, the association has the right to detain 800 snakes at a time for a period of three weeks during which the venom is extracted. Afterward, the snakes are released back into the wild.
In fact, snakes play a significant role in the ecosystem, and their benefits have been proven through studies. They help in controlling the population of mice, rodents, and harmful insects, and also aid in eating poisonous herbs. Moreover, the natural toxins found in their venom have been used to make medicines.
It is interesting to note that out of the 3,000 venomous species worldwide, only 375 have been spotted, and they are mostly found in warm regions. Some countries have laws that prohibit the importation of snakes, such as Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, and Greenland, to prevent damage to their ecosystems.
It is also fascinating that snakes simulate the life of birds and animals, with 70% of them laying eggs and the remaining 30% giving birth to live young. Some species of snakes can even glide through the air, giving them the appearance of flying. However, despite these interesting facts, many people still have a fear of snakes due to their venomous nature and perceived danger.