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(Reference retrieved automatically from SciELO through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

The challenge in detecting risk areas of snakebite when case rates are low: the case of Amazonian coral snakes

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Author(s):
PEDRO FERREIRA BISNETO ; LUCIANA FRAZÃO [2] ; KAROLINE CERON [3] ; JACQUELINE SACHETT ; WUELTON MARCELO MONTEIRO ; IGOR LUIS KAEFER [6] ; THAÍS B. GUEDES
Total Authors: 7
Document type: Journal article
Source: Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências; v. 95, 2023-12-11.
Abstract

Abstract Identifying risk areas for envenomation by animals is relevant for public health, such as strategic distribution of antivenoms. Coral snakes are highly diverse in the Amazon, inhabit natural and human-modified environments, and the outcome of the cases tends to be serious and potentially lethal due to their neurotoxic venom. By integrating species’ geographical records and environmental variables, we used species distribution modeling to predict the distribution of coral snake species in the Brazilian Amazonia. We analyzed the relationship between the predicted distribution of coral snake species, along with envenomation data in the region, to propose actions to reduce the number of cases and to provide tools for a better policy of public health. We conclude that the entire Amazon shows high environmental suitability for coral snakes, and such suitability explains little about the incidence of cases. This is probably due to the low human density in the Amazon and to coral snake traits such as secretive habits and non-agressive behavior. Differently from other venomous snakes, the scenario regarding coral snakebites precludes the detection of prominent geographical areas of concern and demands a broad and equitable availability of health centers throughout Amazonia and along other areas of occurrence of the genus Micrurus. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 22/09428-2 - Evolution and Biogeography of the herpetofauna: patterns, process and implications for conservation in a scenario of environmental and climate changes
Grantee:Thaís Barreto Guedes da Costa
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Young Researchers
FAPESP's process: 21/07161-6 - Evolution and biogeography of the herpetofauna: patterns, process and implications for conservation in a scenario of environmental and climate changes
Grantee:Thaís Barreto Guedes da Costa
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants