The most dangerous snake in Africa has taken on a new responsibility as an environmental protector, as scientists have found that black mambas can act as indicators of air pollution.
A recent study reveals that these snakes, considered the most venomous in Africa, take in heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury into their bodies.
By taking small pieces of scales from living creatures — a method that doesn’t cause them any harm — researchers can assess pollution levels in various areas. Tissue samples from snakes that died in accidents or due to human-related conflicts were also examined.
The study, conducted by the University of the Witwatersrand inJohannesburg, was the first of its kind regarding an African snake species.
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The research centered on black mambas found in Durban, located within South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal region.
Snakes inhabiting industrial and commercial zones had significantly higher levels of heavy metals compared to those in protected areas or green zones.
“Snakes serve as a strong indicator of pollution trends, as they are skilled predators located at the top of the food chain,” Graham Alexander, a herpetology professor and co-researcher on the study, said to RFI.
“They don’t tend to move much. Additionally, they live for a long time, approximately 30 to 40 years, enabling them to gather reliable signs of pollution over time in various locations,” he stated.
Mirror effect
Black mambas take in toxic metals by consuming birds and small animals that have been exposed to pollution. This means they serve as an indicator of the dangers that also affect humans.
Individuals residing in these industrial zones might not be as affected by heavy metals, as they don’t consume rats,” Alexander remarked with a chuckle. “However, they are still subjected to exposure. This therefore offers crucial insights for human health, as well as for the environment and other native species.
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“A strong link was identified between land use and exposure to heavy metals. What’s intriguing is that this data can be gathered without posing any risk to the snakes,” said Marc Humphries, an environmental chemist and the study’s director, to RFI.
The study, released last month in the journalEnvironmental Pollution, presents a model that can be utilized throughout the African continent. Experts believe the approach could assist cities in creating comprehensive maps ofpollutionand determine the most severely impacted regions.
“In the future, this method will be more widespread and will serve as an even more effective and accurate measurement tool,” Alexander stated.
This narrative was partially based on theoriginal version in French
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Tagged: Africa, Environment, Climate
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