Snakes on Sado Island coexist through differentiation of activity time, habitat, and diet

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Snakes on Sado Island coexist through differentiation of activity time, habitat, and diet

Sado Island, Japan, is inhabited by seven species of snakes, the largest number in any isolated island in Japan, except for the subtropical Ryukyu Archipelago. Researchers conducted a 5-year field study to investigate the ecology of each snake species. Their results showed that differences in feeding habits, as well as differences in activity times and locations, are critical factors in the coexistence of multiple snake species.