GUARDIANS OF THE ISLAND: A STUDY ON THE SNAKES OF ILHABELA AND THEIR ECOLOGY

Abstract

Snakes are fundamental to ecological balance, acting as both predators and prey. Brazil has one of the richest faunas in the world, with 15% of species being of medical interest due to the use of their venoms in the production of medicines. In insular environments, such as Ilhabela, the largest maritime island in Brazil, there is little research on snakes, despite the presence of Bothrops jararaca. This study aims to compile information on the ecology and behavior of these snakes, developing a field guide to support environmental education

Keywords: Ecology, Snakes, Biodiversity, Conservation, Environmental Education