This study documents an extraordinary diving record for the dice snake (Natrix tessellata) in Lake Orta, Northern Italy, reaching depths of up to 17 meters, including below the thermocline. The dice snake, primarily a freshwater species known to inhabit shallow waters near shores, has now shown an unexpected ability to explore greater depths, adapting to colder waters and higher pressure environments.
The data, gathered through a citizen science initiative involving trained divers, reveals new insights into the snake’s behavior and ecological adaptability. Researchers propose that the deep dives could be a thermoregulation strategy, as descending below the thermocline allows the snake to cool its body in waters over 20°C cooler than the lake’s surface during summer.
These findings open up fresh perspectives for research on the adaptability of freshwater species to changing environments, particularly as climate change affects surface water temperatures. This discovery highlights the significant contributions citizen science projects can make to understanding biodiversity, emphasizing the role of local community engagement in scientific research.
🔗 Full Text: https://www.igminresearch.com/articles/html/igmin179
🔗 DOI Link: https://dx.doi.org/10.61927/igmin179
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