Endemic snake species faces threats in Comoros

Lycodryas cococola, a non-venomous snake found in Comoros, is facing extinction due to human fear and lack of awareness about its role in the ecosystem

MORONI, Comoros (MNTV) — The Comoros archipelago is home to remarkable biodiversity, with many endemic species.

Among the most notable is the Livingstone’s fruit bat, a species of flying fox found exclusively in Mwali and certain forest areas of Ndzuani.

 The country also boasts impressive herpetological wealth, with approximately 34 species of reptiles, 22 of which — about 65% — are endemic.

According to Alwatan.net, despite this wealth, the herpetofauna (the collective group of reptiles and amphibians) of the country remains under-studied.

One such species is Lycodryas cococola, an endemic, non-venomous snake found in Mwali and Ngazidja. 

Also known as the “coconut tree snake,” it primarily inhabits trees, particularly coconut palms, though it can also be found on the ground.

Nocturnal by nature, it is not very active during the day and is often spotted in tree trunks.

While slightly venomous, its venom is not considered dangerous to humans.

Despite its ecological importance, Lycodryas cococola remains highly threatened.

It is often killed out of fear or due to a lack of understanding of its role in the ecosystem. 

According to records from the National Center for Documentation and Scientific Research (Cndrs), this reptile plays a vital role by feeding on harmful insects, such as mosquitoes, and helping maintain the balance of nature by providing ecological services to plants.

In Mwali, this species is primarily found in the eastern part of the island, in the forest of Itsamia, as well as in Vouleni, a forest area in Ndrondroni, located in the Mledjele region.

On Sunday, April 13, during a reforestation operation at Vuleni led by the Park in collaboration with the Noé Association and the Association of Youth for Development in Ndrondroni (Ajdn), a specimen of Lycodryas cococola was spotted for the third time in three months by environmental advocates. 

Among them was Blaise, a prominent figure from the Facebook page “Nyumachuwa et ses coins.” 

“This snake represents a significant socio-economic and tourism potential for us. We must protect it at all costs. Unfortunately, when people encounter it in the forest, their first instinct is often to kill it. It would be helpful to launch a public awareness campaign, as humans naturally fear snakes,” Blaise remarked.

At the Mwali National Park, Lycodryas cococola is classified as a “near-threatened” species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The snake can grow up to a meter in length and is identifiable by its gray color adorned with dark brown spots. 

To date, no in-depth studies have been conducted on its population, habitat, or lifestyle, highlighting the urgent need for further scientific research to better preserve this natural heritage.