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Discover the regions on Earth where snakes are not found

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Snakes are the most versatile species, with over 3,000 species, and are found on almost all continents and almost in all kinds of environments from deserts to rainforests. They can thrive in most climates and various habitats. According to the reports, there are many parts of Earth that exhibit a remarkable absence of snakes, and this can be attributed to various factors such as geographic isolation, extreme climatic conditions, or adverse environmental conditions that make survival hard for them. The regions themselves are an exception to the rule since the conditions here cannot favor the existence of snakes.

Some such areas include Antarctica, New Zealand, Ireland, and most of the Pacific islands. In many of these regions, strong laws and the natural barriers in place have resulted in snakes never establishing themselves to begin with; thus, one finds unique ecosystems in danger of introduction of non-native species otherwise. Explore more about the places where snakes are not found.

Snake-free places on the Earth
Antarctica

Antarctica is the only continent that is snake-free on Earth as per reports. This is because the continent has an extremely cold climate. Thus, Antarctica is inadmissible for the snaky reptiles that are cold-blooded. Snakes are ectothermic, meaning that they regulate their body temperature through external sources of heat. Snakes could not survive in Antarctica since the environment has ice and snow, and the extreme coldness is such that reptiles would not be able to find warmth for them to work.

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Antarctica does have other wildlife including seals, penguins, and marine mammals. However, this list does not include reptiles, which snakes belong to.

New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the very few countries in the world that is entirely snake-free, which is because it is relatively isolated in the South Pacific. Geographically, New Zealand is separated by huge oceans, and isolation did not allow snakes to naturally migrate to the island nation. Although sea snakes, including the Yellow Lipped Sea Krait and Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake, can occasionally be seen in the waters around New Zealand, they do not live on land.

New Zealand has very strict laws regarding the importation and keeping of snakes within the country, whether as pets or in zoos. This is to preserve the unique ecosystem of the country and to avoid any ecological imbalance that might be caused by the introduction of non-native species.

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Ireland

Ireland is also one country that has no snakes, and fossil records show that snakes never colonized the island. Snakes are absent in Ireland because of its chilling climate and historical geographical separation from the main lands on the continent according to the reports. Snakes in their nature need warmer climates to conserve their body temperatures because Ireland has a temperate climate that is not healthy for snakes to survive. Snakes are not native to Ireland; however, some species exist in zoos or kept as pets but don’t occur naturally.

It is so interesting and mythical that snakes have never been found in Ireland, where popular legends or stories explain that might have been due to a historical event or because of Saint Patrick’s influence.

Greenland

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Greenland is an Arctic country with no native snakes. Because it’s not favorable due to its unfriendly climate, long winters, and little sunshine that the snake species don’t find friendly because snakes are cold-blooded animals surviving well in warm conditions. Even though there is no snake species known to be originally found in the country of Greenland, people are permitted to keep domesticated snakes under local authority permissions.

This has resulted in stringent laws on importing and even owning the exotic pets to conserve the sensitive ecosystem of the Arctic and not have the alien species disturb the fragility of the ecosystem in that area.

Iceland

Snakes can’t be found in Iceland because the weather is extremely unforgiving and biting. Geothermal activities coupled with volcanic soil make most of the reptiles inapplicable to the environment of the island. However, there are some that call the sand snakes of Iceland. Actually, these are not snakes but mere wind formations on sand. Snakes could not survive the cold environment of Iceland, and no record of snakes exists in this island, neither as a native species nor an established population.

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Alaska

Alaska, being very much north, lacks native snake populations. The winters are long, and the light is scarce here, making the survival of the cold-blooded animals like snakes extremely difficult. There have been instances of nonnative snakes, but they are a result of escapes from pets in some cases; they are never established populations. Snakes cannot be seen throughout the year in this harsh environment, and the only reptile species in Alaska is the sea turtle, which lives in warmer ocean waters. There are no snakes in Alaska because the state has a cold climate and there is no place there where snakes might live.

Hawaii

The other snake-less place is Hawaii. Hawaii is a group of islands located in the central Pacific. Snakes cannot access these islands through geographical isolation. The surrounding ocean barriers contribute majorly to how snakes do not reach these islands. Although some sea snakes occasionally appear offshore of Hawaii; they are non-land reptiles. Hawaii has also established very strict laws banning the importation and possession of snakes as it strives to protect its delicate ecosystem and ensure no non-native species is introduced into the system to cause a mismatch of the native wildlife.

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Cook Islands

According to the reports, no snakes are found in Cook Islands, South Pacific. Isolation is one aspect that has seen many of the islands in the Pacific have no snakes. The flora and fauna diversity present on the islands vary from those of areas that comprise snakes. In the Cook Islands, the uniqueness of the place from the ecologic perspective emanates from their snakeless characteristic.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde is an island country off the west coast of Africa. It has no native species of snakes in its islands and is one of the few regions without snakes. Apart from having no snakes, Cape Verde has few venomous animals, making it a relatively safe destination for travelers. It has become a favorite tourist destination for people who want to have a snake-free holiday because of its lack of snakes and other dangerous wildlife.

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Pacific Islands

Apart from the Cook Islands and Cape Verde, there are many other Pacific Islands, including Tuvalu, Nauru, Kiribati, and the Marshall Islands, which are snake-free. This is because the islands have isolated ecosystems that have never been colonized by snakes. Though some of the islands have sea snakes in their surrounding waters, they do not have any native land snakes on them. Geographically, the regions are cut off, so snakes cannot naturally migrate there.

Snake-free regions on Earth highlight the fascinating interplay between geography, climate, and ecological balance. From Antarctica’s icy terrain to the isolated Pacific islands, these places remain untouched by snakes, offering unique ecosystems and insights into the adaptability of wildlife. Whether due to natural barriers or stringent conservation laws, these areas provide a safe haven from snakes, making them intriguing destinations for those seeking a reptile-free environment.

Credit: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Just in: Shettima jets out to attend Senegal’s independence

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Dakar, Senegal for official assignment.

The VP is expected to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the West African nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

Senegal marks its Independence Day on April 4 each year, commemorating its liberation from French colonial rule in 1960.

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The annual celebration is a significant event featuring national parades, cultural displays, and ceremonies highlighting the country’s achievements and unity.

A statement issued on Thursday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, said Shettima’s participation followed an official invitation from Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

This underscored the strong diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Senegal.

The two nations share longstanding relations, particularly within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), fostering cooperation on regional security, trade, and development initiatives.

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The event is expected to reaffirm Senegal’s commitment to democratic governance and regional cooperation.

Vice President Shettima is scheduled to return to Nigeria immediately after the one-day celebrations, continuing his engagements in national development and diplomatic outreach.

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Just in: “Ignore rumour mongers, there was no time I collapsed “-Wike asserts

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Federal Capital Territory FCT minister, Nyesom Wike on Thursday dismissed social media reports that he collapsed last week, describing the reports as the handiwork of rumour mongers trying to score cheap political points.

Wike spoke after he inspected four ongoing projects in the territory, including the International Conference Centre ICC.

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CJ transfers Natasha’s case to Justice Nyako

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The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has reassigned the suit filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and others to Justice Binta Nyako.

The case, which was initially handled by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, will now be heard afresh by Justice Nyako following Egwuatu’s withdrawal from the matter. His decision came after allegations of bias were reportedly raised by Akpabio, the third defendant in the suit.

Justice Egwuatu withdrew from the case on March 25, citing concerns over judicial integrity.

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“Justice is rooted in confidence in the court. Once a litigant expresses his belief that there is bias or likelihood of bias on the part of the judge, it will not be in the interest of justice for the judge to continue,” he stated.

He forwarded the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, had filed the lawsuit to halt an investigation into her alleged misconduct by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. She had sought an interim injunction to prevent the committee from proceeding with disciplinary actions against her.

Justice Egwuatu previously issued an order on March 4 declaring Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension by the Senate null and void. However, on March 19, he set aside a portion of his ruling after hearing arguments from both sides. The Senate had filed a motion urging the court to vacate the order, arguing that it interfered with its legislative duties and could lead to a constitutional crisis.

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During legal proceedings, the Senate’s lawyer, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, argued that the court’s order restrained the Senate from fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities, while Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Numa, opposed the motion, describing it as a disregard for the court’s authority. He urged the court to dismiss the Senate’s application and take disciplinary action against the defendants for contempt.

Akpoti-Uduaghan also filed a contempt charge, asserting that her suspension was a deliberate violation of the court’s interim injunction. She maintained that the court’s directive was duly served on the defendants, but they proceeded with actions in defiance of the ruling.

Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) grants the National Assembly the authority to manage its internal affairs, including disciplining its members. However, this power is not unlimited. It must be exercised in accordance with constitutional provisions, due process, and the rule of law.

The principle of separation of powers, outlined in Section 4 for the legislature, Section 6 for the judiciary, and Section 5 for the executive, ensures that each arm of government functions independently without interference. However, courts have the authority to review legislative actions if they infringe on fundamental rights or violate existing laws.

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Judicial rulings have established that while legislatures hold disciplinary authority, their actions must align with the principles of natural justice, particularly the right to a fair hearing, as outlined in Section 36 of the Constitution. The outcome of this case could clarify the extent of legislative immunity and determine whether courts can override Senate disciplinary actions when due process is at stake.

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