Using Snake Roadkill Patterns to Indicate Effects of Climate Change on Snakes in Taiwan

This study investigates the impacts of climate change on snake behavior and distribution in Taiwan by analyzing roadkill data from the Taiwan Roadkill Observation Network (TaiRON). Focusing on data from 2012 to 2019, the analysis reveals temporal and spatial changes in snake roadkill patterns, shedding light on the ecological effects of a warming climate. From 2012 to 2019, the number of snake roadkill events exhibited a rising trend, particularly during peak activity months from May to October, which accounted for over 70% of annual cases. However, a notable increase was observed in January, traditionally a low-activity period, with roadkill numbers rising 14.9-fold and proportions increasing nearly 6-fold over the study period. This shift suggests that warmer winters are extending the active period for snakes, potentially altering their seasonal behaviors. Spatially, snake roadkill numbers showed a northward and upward migration, reflecting a response to rising temperatures and habitat shifts to higher-altitude regions. These migratory trends, while adaptive, expose snakes to heightened roadkill risks in newly occupied habitats. The findings underscore the potential of roadkill data as a robust ecological monitoring tool for understanding species responses to climate change. By integrating citizen science with ecological and spatial analyses, this research highlights the critical role of environmental changes in driving snake activity and distribution shifts. This study emphasizes the need for climate-adaptive conservation strategies, including road design improvements and biodiversity-focused policies, to mitigate roadkill risks and safeguard snake populations. These insights contribute to broader efforts in ecological conservation and the formulation of evidence-based policies to address the impacts of climate change on cold-blooded animals.