International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 2025, Vol.15, No.2, 78-89 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 83 stability-they make the rate of new species emergence faster and the rate of species extinction slower in tropical regions (Loureno-de-moraes et al., 2019). SDMs predicts that as the climate zone moves towards the polar regions, the distribution range of snakes will also move northward or to higher altitudes, which may change the current diversity pattern and bring new conservation challenges (Biber et al., 2023; Pilliod et al., 2024). These models also indicate that regions with abundant energy and stable climate, such as the neotropical zone, parts of Southeast Asia and Africa, may still be hotspots with a large variety of snake species. In areas with large climate fluctuations or frequent extreme weather, the number of snake species may decrease and the variety of biological species may become more monotonous (loureno-de-moraes et al., 2019; Biber et al., 2023). Therefore, the interaction of connectivity among energy, climate and habitat is crucial for understanding and predicting the changes in the future patterns of snake diversity. 5.3 Niche stability and adaptive expansion Niche stability refers to a species maintaining the survival habits passed down from its ancestors. This explains why, even when the external environment changes, many snakes still mainly live in specific climate zones. Species Distribution Model (SDMs) and phylogenetic analysis show that the ecological niche of many snake species is relatively fixed and it is difficult for them to adapt quickly to new climates. This may cause their distribution range to decrease with climate change (Michailidou et al., 2021; Biber et al., 2023; Sunny et al., 2023). For instance, snakes that breed in the Atlantic forest are expected to be more vulnerable to global warming because they can adapt to a limited range of climates (Lourenco-de-Moraes et al., 2019). However, some snakes have demonstrated strong adaptability and can even expand their distribution range. Even if the climate changes or they enter new living environments, they may still survive, such as the California king snake living in the Canary Islands (Piquet et al., 2021). This difference in niche performance, either maintaining stability or actively expanding the range - is crucial for understanding the different responses of snakes to climate change and can also lay the foundation for formulating conservation measures that take into account the evolutionary history and ecological adaptability of snakes (Michailidou et al., 2021; Piquet et al., 2021; Biber et al., 2023; Pilliod et al., 2024). 6 Human Impact and Future Trends 6.1 Global warming is driving snakes to migrate to higher latitudes and altitudes The current climate change, especially global warming, is causing many snakes to move to higher latitudes and altitudes. It is predicted that as temperatures rise, areas suitable for both venomous and non-venomous snakes will shift more towards the polar regions and high mountains, which will lead to an increase in the number of snakes in some places and a decrease in others (Martin et al., 2021; Martinez et al., 2024). For instance, research shows that as the climate keeps warming, the range of activities of the eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius) and the dekayi brown snake (Storeria dekayi) may expand northward, while some other snakes may remain in their original living areas. No suitable habitat can be found (Figure 2) (Archis et al., 2018; Huang et al., 2024). This situation varies depending on the type of snake and the area where it lives. Those snakes with poor mobility or high habitat requirements may not keep up with the pace of climate change. As a result, their numbers will decrease, and in some areas, snakes may even disappear. Conversely, snakes with strong adaptability will enter new and habitable areas, altering the local species composition and ecological functions (Archis et al., 2018; Martin et al., 2021; Huang et al., 2024; Martinez et al., 2024). 6.2 Habitat fragmentation and climate pressure increase the risk of species extinction Habitat fragmentation is mainly caused by urban expansion, agricultural development and road construction. This will cut off the connections between different snake groups and make the adverse effects of climate change even more severe. Fragmented habitats make it more difficult for snakes to migrate or adapt to their environment, thus increasing the possibility of local snake extinction (Sunny et al., 2023). For instance, studies on wood rattlesnakes
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