Cannibalism in snakes might sound shocking, but recent research shows it’s more common than we thought. A study in Biological Reviews examined over 500 reports across various snake species, revealing that this behavior has developed independently at least 11 times in their history.
Led by Bruna Falcão from the University of São Paulo, the findings change how we view snakes. Instead of a rare oddity, cannibalism emerges as a common survival tactic. Falcão explains that for humans, cannibalism feels strange and unsettling. For snakes, however, it serves a purpose—it boosts their chances of survival during tough times.
“It’s good for their ecological fitness. It’s strategic,” Falcão noted.
Cannibalism appears in various snake families, whether they’re in the wild or kept in captivity. The study highlights how snakes might turn to this behavior when food is scarce or living conditions become challenging.
Why Do Snakes Eat Their Own?
Like many animals, snakes resort to cannibalism when survival is on the line. It can happen during food shortages or when they face stiff competition from other snakes. The research indicates that this behavior is particularly pronounced in generalist species that are adaptable in their diets.
Key insights from the study show that cannibalism is often a response to stressful conditions. Limited food, environmental changes, or conflicts with other snakes can lead to this behavior. Falcão stressed how unexpected these findings were:
“The more we searched, the more cases we found.”
Researchers are starting to understand that this behavior is more about survival than a rare occurrence.
In controlled environments, like captivity, cannibalism happens even more frequently. When snakes have limited space and food options, they’re more likely to resort to eating their own kind.
The Benefits Behind Cannibalism
Cannibalism isn’t just desperation; it carries evolutionary advantages. By consuming weaker individuals, snakes help keep their populations healthy and balanced. This behavior ensures that only the strongest snakes thrive and reproduce.
Interestingly, some experts are cautious about drawing conclusions regarding generalist species and cannibalism. Xavier Glaudas, who didn’t participate in the study, pointed out that while cannibalism is widespread, the motivations need further exploration.
It turns out that cannibalism can prevent overpopulation and the negative effects tied to it. By regularizing their numbers in relation to available resources, snakes maintain an ecological balance that benefits their habitats.
While cannibalism might be unsettling to us, for snakes, it’s a natural survival strategy that showcases their resilience in challenging environments.
For more details on the study, you can check the research published in Biological Reviews.
