Thabata Cavalcante dos Santos
Other projects
25 May 2022
Conservation Strategies for Vulnerable Bushmaster Snakes (Lachesis muta rhombeata) in Forest Remnants, Northeastern Brazil
Internationally known as the Atlantic Forest Bushmaster and in Brazil as surucucu pico-de-jaca, pico-de-jaca, and malha-de-fogo, the venomous snake Lachesis rhombeata is endemic to the humid forests of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Renowned for its size, reaching over two metres in length, and for its potential danger due to its venom, it is widely feared by communities throughout its range, with frequent reports of its aggressiveness and the fear it instils in residents who live alongside these animals. Although rare, encounters between people and these animals have been becoming increasingly common in areas of their occurrence, due to the deforestation of the Atlantic Forest. This has led to a rise in conflicts and an increased risk of envenomations.
South American Bushmaster in its natural habitat. © Thabata Cavalcante.
Lachesis rhombeata is classified as threatened with extinction due to habitat loss caused by urban expansion and the unsustainable use of land. Consequently, direct conflicts with these animals often result in their intentional killing, further intensifying the threats faced by the species. Thus, our project aims to understand how these snakes use their natural environment, in order to assist in the prevention of accidents and to contribute to improving coexistence between these animals and humans in areas of high risk of snakebite.
We intend to: (1) map and categorise the habitat use areas of the Atlantic Forest Bushmaster, aiming to understand how the species selects and uses its natural environments, and to identify potential conflict zones with local communities; (2) investigate the activity and behavioural patterns of the Atlantic Forest Bushmaster in the wild, in order to deepen knowledge of its behavioural repertoire and ecological interactions; and (3) work collaboratively with local communities to define actions and measures for the prevention of envenomations and to promote the protection of Lachesis rhombeata individuals as well as other snake species.
Header image: The queen of the Atlantic Forest - South American Bushmaster, Lachesis rhombeata. © Thabata Cavalcante.