The Smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) is one of three snake species to be found in the Nordic countries (except Denmark) and the Baltic countries. The group of researchers gathered at Nåtø Biological Station in Åland is researching the Northen expanse of the species. Six people, representing three nations joined the workshop, including the Finnish zoologist, Tom Hoogesteger.
The smooth snake is not present at the Finnish mainland, but the worlds northernmost population exists in the Åland archipelago. Tom has spent the past ten years mapping their locations, and during the last week of June the hotspots were shown to the research group.
Picture 1: Researchers observe a smooth snake in the bare Åland landscape. Picture 2: Smooth snake. Picture 3: Zoologist Tom measuring a smooth snake
Our prominent reptile researcher, Beate, noted that the habitat of the smooth snake at Åland differed greatly from their typical habitat in Norway. Additionally, it was observed differences in external morphological traits between the Åland and Norwegian smooth snake. The researchers will delve deeper into this in an upcoming scientific paper, so stay tuned!
Despite 12-hour field days, the group enjoyed the work so much so that the plan for the second annual meeting is already underway. So far, it is decided that the meeting will take place in Kristiansand, next year. That will provide an opportunity to show off the locations mapped for smooth snake here in the region!