About this Research Topic
Snakes have interacted with humans since the beginning of human evolution. These reptiles are keystone species for agro-ecosystems and grassland ecosystems in particular. However, they are important in "One Health" because they act as disease vectors and envenom humans and livestock, which can require medication and can cause fatalities and permanent disabilities. Snakebite envenoming is particularly problematic in the rural tropics and the subtropics where it is a public health issue.
This Research Topic "Global Human-snake Conflicts and Ethno-ophidiology" will aim to list the species of snakes interacting with humans in a variety of ways and provide key messages to the readers about the information required for prevention and control of snakebites, as well as creating awareness to reduce the rampant killing of snakes worldwide to contribute to biodiversity conservation. We invite contributions that examine snake taxa at species to family levels, in addition to shedding light on their geographic diversity across various regions, countries, and continents. Given that snakes have been utilized for food, medicine, and various other purposes in different regions, their roles exceed their ecological functions. The aesthetic, cultural, and religious values attributed to snakes are to be recognized as well, opening the door to ethno-ophidology, a fascinating aspect of snake-human interaction.
This Research Topic "Global Human-snake Conflicts and Ethno-ophidiology" will aim to list the species of snakes interacting with humans in a variety of ways and provide key messages to the readers about the information required for prevention and control of snakebites, as well as creating awareness to reduce the rampant killing of snakes worldwide to contribute to biodiversity conservation. We invite contributions that examine snake taxa at species to family levels, in addition to shedding light on their geographic diversity across various regions, countries, and continents. Given that snakes have been utilized for food, medicine, and various other purposes in different regions, their roles exceed their ecological functions. The aesthetic, cultural, and religious values attributed to snakes are to be recognized as well, opening the door to ethno-ophidology, a fascinating aspect of snake-human interaction.
Keywords: snakes, venom, disease vector, keystone species, humans, Ethno-ophidiology, snake-human interaction
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
