World without snakes! How eliminating them could trigger disease outbreaks and ecological collapse

Snakes are widely feared and misunderstood, yet they play an essential role in nature and human health. Often judged only for their danger, snakes are crucial predators that help control rodent populations, protecting crops and reducing the spread of diseases. They also serve as prey for birds, mammals, and other snakes, supporting biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. Beyond their environmental role, snake venom has significant medical value, contributing to treatments for heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. Eliminating snakes may seem appealing to many, but doing so could disrupt ecosystems, increase rodent-borne illnesses, and limit future medical discoveries, highlighting the vital importance of these often-misjudged creatures in both nature and science. Snakes ar