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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

An emerging fungal disease, likely originating from captivity, is spreading to wild snakes across 5 species in Queensland so far. Dr Shelly Butcher of Uni of Queensland is researching the topic to guide management and conservation efforts. Don't release your pet snake! www.bhg.com.au/garden/funga...

bhg.com.au

Wildlife researchers raise the alarm on "fatal" new snake disease sweeping Southeast Queensland

Wildlife researchers and snake catchers warn of a contagious new snake disease. Find out how to spot the warning signs.

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Another productive and enjoyable meeting of our regional (Australia/Melanesia/Oceania) group under the IUCN SSC Snake Specialist Group! A few things we got up to this time: We made plans for the World Congress of Snakes (see www.worldsnakes26.com), ...(1/n)

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Exciting times for snake knowledge sharing this year! The World Congress of Snakes is happening for the first time ever! It'll be held 1–4Oct 2026 in Sri Lanka. Early-bird registration ends 31March. We have several members of our Snake Specialist Group planning to attend. www.worldsnakes26.com

worldsnakes26.com

First World Congress on Snakes 2026 | Inaugural International Snake Conference | Kandy, Sri Lanka

Join the first-ever World Congress on Snakes (WSC 2026) - a historic inaugural event featuring world-renowned keynote speakers, symposia, workshops, and groundbreaking research presentations. October ...

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

Another IUCN's Australia/Melanesia/Oceania chapter mtg of the Snake Specialist Group! We discuss key conservation issues, IUCN red-list listings in dev., share history on current issues, key contacts, discuss global snake education msging/activities, grant availabilities, & future research.

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 05/10/2025

There’s so much misinformation about snakes, especially w/ rattlesnakes. A new @ologies.bsky.social podcast featuring @emilytaylorscience.com sets the record straight! We think it’s a stellar combo of evidence-based info, comedy, and intrigue. Listen here www.alieward.com/ologies/crot...

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 05/10/2025

For those of you who missed any #SnakeWeek talks that we (IUCN Snake Specialist Group) helped organise, have no fear...the @snakeweek.bsky.social YouTube channel is here! Watch & learn about snakes and snake researchers at your own pace. Some evening entertainment for you! www.youtube.com/@SnakeWeek

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/06/2025

Snake Week, a whole week to celebrate and learn about snakes, is less than one month away! 13–19 July 2025. Register for online talks from around the world in the Snake Week Speaker Series at www.SnakeWeek.org. #SnakeWeek #SnakeWeek2025 @snakeweek.bsky.social

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 20/05/2025

A little journey for you today about snakes 🐍. Scroll down through 8 images for the whole story. #SnakeEducation #Snakes #SnakeHeroes

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 04/05/2025

One of our members, Dr @cnzdenek.bsky.social, co-authored a piece in @theconversation.com with Dr @tnwjackson.bsky.social, detailing the development of a new, broad-spectrum snake antivenom, in part derived from a human donor. Read the story for more details.

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

India experiences an extreme burden from snakebite each year, averaging 58,000 snakebite deaths annually. Some good news to help combat this problem: a new app for everyday Indians to connect with snake catchers and hospitals across India in times of emergency to help prevent and manage snakebite.

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

Have you heard of The Orianne Society? Well, now you have! They do snake research, conservation, and education. All the good things! Check them out at www.orianne.org

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

Members highlight! This time, we're proud to highlight West Indian Boas. This is a conservation initiative operated by Jeff Murray and Michael Saina, working to better understand and conserve West Indian Boas. Check them out at www.westindianboas.org

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

We're excited to share that, for the first time ever, there will be a whole week dedicated to snake appreciation globally! It's called #SnakeWeek2025, and we at SSG have partnered with #SnakeWeek to run events throughout the exciting week in July and promote the week widely. Please share!

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

The Oceania sub-group of the SSG just finished mtg today! We caught up on all our ongoing snake work, discussed various conservation issues, linked people for expert advice on specific topics, & made some plans for core funding pursuits for the group to support snake science and conservation.

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 04/01/2025

Happy New Year! We hope your year is full of #snake safety, #coexistence w/ snakes, and maybe even celebrating snakes! To bring in the new year, we have a sparkling profile image of a Coffee Snake (Ninia atrata) from the island of Trinidad & Tobago, just north of Venezuela in South America.

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Who loves pythons??! Our member's highlight today is Dr Bedford, our group's Oenpelli Python expert. We are grateful for his contributions, such as his regular attendance and discussions at our local Oceania chapter of the IUCN's Snake Specialist Group.

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Another productive meeting the other day with the Oceania regional chapter of the IUCN Snake Specialist Group! Including bringing expert minds together to try and solve some bewildering mysteries uncovered in recent research w/in the group relating to snake conservation in Oz. #herps #snakes

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Members highlight! John Murphy has a long history with snakes, adding an immense knowledge base to the field of herpetology. We're fortunate to also have him as a Communications Officer for our #IUCN Snake Specialist Group!

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Members Highlight! We're so lucky to have Dr Melissa Bruton on our team, leading the IUCN Oceania chapter of the IUCN Snake Specialist Group! #herps #snakes

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Members highlight! @cnzdenek.bsky.social did her PhD on venom and antivenom and now works on the human-snake conflict. She is an instructor for the Australian Reptile Academy and avidly communicates her science to the wider community!

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Members highlight! Dr Timothy Colston is a member of our #IUCN Snake Specialist Group, working on Neotropical and African herps...more below 🤓.

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Members highlight! Meet @hiralnaik.bsky.social, an active member of our #IUCN Snake Specialist Group and for Save The Snakes. A lover of snakes and doer of good!

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Does anyone have any images they've taken of the below boa species? If so, two of our Snake Specialist Group members, A/Prof Graham Reynolds and Professor Bob Henderson, would love to hear from you for their upcoming book, 'Boas of the World'!

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

One of our esteemed members, Rom Whitaker, has published their memoir! Sure to inform and entertain. Here's the link to order it: amazon.in/Snakes-Drugs...

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Members highlight! This time, it's our fearless leader, the Chair of our #IUCN Snake Specialist Group, Dr Daniel Natusch. Thanks for leading us!

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Another #IUCN Snake Specialist Group members highlight! Check out what Dr Jenny gets up to 👇!

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Big news. Prof Shine etal have scientifically proven the 100s of millions of $ (just in 1 region) saved by farmers choosing to keep mice-eating snakes around rather than killing the helpful snakes, contrasted w/ the very small risk of snakebite for farmers tinyurl.com/yp87xksb #herps #snakes

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Another productive region-specific meeting Nov 2023. #IUCN Oceania Snake Specialist Grp. Clockwise: Gavin Bedford, @cnzdenek.bsky.social, Mark O' Shea, Rick Shine, @chrisjolly.bsky.social, Jessica Lyons, & our local leader Melissa Bruton. Discussing progress, projects, conferences, & funding.

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Members highlight! Here's what our IUCN Snake Specialist Group member, Dr Damien Michael, gets up to! Nice Carpet Python too 😍. #herps #snakes

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Members highlight! Here's what @chrisjolly.bsky.social gets up to! He also works extensively with The Professor Rick Shine.

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Members highlight! Check out what our #IUCN Snake Specialist Group member, María, gets up to!

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Because all native snakes are special and important in their own way, this week we'd like to turn your attention to a lesser known, nearly completely unstudied group of non-venomous snakes, lovingly called 'patchies' b/c of their big schnozy scale on their snout. Fast #snakes! 😍 #herps

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Another member spotlight! Dr Lettoof @lettsgetsnakes.bsky.social , is an important member of our growing team of #IUCN Snake Specialist Group members! Here he is doing science with a Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus) at a science shed. He now works with CSIRO.

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Happy #WorldSnakeDay, everyone! 16July. Here's our 2minute video highlighting the wonderful work our Snake Specialist Group members do around the world. Video, click here: youtu.be/-8COnwyW9kc #herps #snakes

youtu.be

Happy World Snake Day!! (16 July 2023)...from IUCN's Snake Specialist Group

YouTube video by People For Wildlife

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Snakes are simply amazing. 'Flicker-fusion effect’ is utilised by many. The high-contrast pattern blurs at speed, especially in low light, concealing a prey's appearance to predators, reducing the chances of initial detection. Here are some examples from around the world 😍. #herps #snakes

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

This week, we're highlighting one of the many highly-evolved adaptations that enable snakes to survive in many environments across the world. This little stunner of a snake 😍 is from Arizona, USA. #herps #snakes

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Check out the big eyes of the Catesby's Snail-eater snake! What a little cutie 🥰. This individual is from Peru, but the species ranges throughout much of South America. #herps #snakes

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

The introduction of the poisonous Cane Toad (Rhinella marina) by the Australian gov't in 1935 to the Australian continent was a disaster for countless native species that is still ongoing. Lucky for the Keelback snake, their evolutionary history makes them resistant. #herps #snakes

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Another regional meeting for our #IUCN Snake Specialist Group! We discussed upcoming conferences, priority snake species for research, updates for conservation listing of species, discussed new membership, and connected people with experts on the ground in the field. #snakes

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Snake fear is real and common. Education about #snakes and snakebite prevention measures are the key to freedom from this fear. Snake pictured: Striped Sharpnose Snake (Xenoxybelis argenteus) from Peru.

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Snakes are important native species for ecosystem health and function in almost all countries around the world. Senseless snake persecution should therefore stop. Besides intrinsic animals' rights to live, we're only shooting ourselves in the foot by losing ecosystem services.

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

This Black-collared Snake (Drepanoides anomalus) from Peru is undeniably pretty. Agreed? #Snakes are pretty important too, being predators and prey in functioning ecosystems, helping cycle nutrients, and keeping vermin populations in check.

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Boie's Smooth Snake (Gongylosoma baliodeira) is a leaf-litter-dwelling snake found throughout Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Like most snakes worldwide, it is poorly known. That's why we support snake research and try to empower herpetologists. [pic by John Murphy]. #snakes

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Another successful, quarterly video meeting for our #IUCN #snake specialist group for the Australia, Oceania, and Melanesia regions! Discussing topics like future projects, funding opportunities, local champions, species of conservation concern, and IUCN species red-listings.

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Here's our group's leader in action! Dr Natusch speaks at the 19th CITES CoP that took place in Panama in 2022. Our #IUCN Snake Specialist Group was represented by at least 10 members. RepresENT! Important discussions, ensuring legal and sustainable trade in #snakes.

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Time to highlight some awesome snake species! This week is Australia's Bandy-bandy Snake 👇

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

This week's species spotlight: The White-lipped Python 😍 from Papua New Guinea!

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IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

This week's 'Species Spotlight' is out👇! It lives in Indonesia/Borneo/Malaysia. Have you ever seen this beautiful species?

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