Snakes play incredibly important roles in the ecosystems they are a part of. They keep their preys' populations (which may be pests to humans!) in check and regulate other predator-prey dynamics, all of which may help sustain the populations of flora and suppress the prevalence of disease. Unfortunately, snake populations have either declined due to habitat destruction, introduced species not native to their habitats, or are killed for sport or views that deem them evil or dangerous.

Nonetheless, snakes are in dire need of protection and conservation, and the Save The Snakes (STS) organization is dedicating not just to educating the public on snakes and protecting them, but also works to provide funding towards snake-related conservation projects. I serve on the advisory committee for STS, and try to bring awareness to all projects, but particularly those in Southeast Asia. Have a project in mind? E-mail me at justinbernstein@savethesnakes.org.