222 Aesculapian Snake Special

We are talking about our own work this week, focusing on our latest research into Europe’s foremost colubrid, the Aesculapian snake. We chat about radio-tracking these beasts and dive into some of the media coverage this study has received. Finally, we touch on some good conservation news from the Zoological Society of London. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper Reference: Major T, Jeffrey L, Limia Russel G, Bracegirdle R, Gandini A, Morgan R, Marshall BM, Mulley JF, Wüster W. 2025. A reliance on human habitats is key to the success of an introduced predatory reptile. PLOS ONE 20:e0310352. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310352. Other Mentioned Papers/Studies: Major, T., Bracegirdle, R., Gandini, A., Russell, G. L., Pozzi, A. V., Morgan, R., ... & Wüster, W. (2023). Mate today, gone tomorrow: male on female cannibalism in Zamenis longissimus (Laurenti, 1768) in North Wales. Herpetology Notes, 16, 51-54. Other Links/Mentions: BBC Radio 4 inside science (Tom at 20:35): https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0027txb  Conversation article about Aesculapian snakes: https://theconversation.com/britain-has-a-new-snake-species-should-climate-change-mean-it-is-allowed-to-stay-249043  Leap of Hope documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs1SIs0KRlk&ab_channel=ZSL-ZoologicalSocietyofLondon  Sample I. 2025. Endangered frogs born at London zoo after rescue mission in Chile. The Guardian. Editing and Music: Intro/outro – Treehouse by Ed Nelson Species Bi-week theme – Michael Timothy Other Music – The Passion HiFi, https://www.thepassionhifi.com Intro visuals – Paul Snelling