Buzz
If you learned that your favorite snorkeling spot harbored venomous 5-foot-long snakes, you’d likely seek safer waters elsewhere—but a bold group of grandmothers did the exact opposite.
During a study of the harmless turtle-headed sea snake in New Caledonia’s Baie des Citrons, two researchers spotted several greater sea snakes (Hydrophis major). This larger, more dangerous species was difficult to find, and over three years, they encountered just 30 of them.
In 2017, seven local grandmothers, all in their sixties and seventies, came up with a unique proposal. The so-called “Fantastic Grandmothers” suggested to researchers Claire Goiran of the University of New Caledonia and Rick Shine of Macquarie University that they observe and photograph the greater sea snakes during their routine snorkeling trips.
Monique Mazière and Sea Snake 79, affectionately called "Déborah." | Claire Goiran/University of New Caledonia“Once the grandmothers began their efforts, we quickly realized we had greatly underestimated the number of greater sea snakes in the bay,” Goiran shared in a press release.
Thanks to distinct differences in their markings, greater sea snakes can be easily distinguished in photographs. The women identified over 249 of these snakes in the bay, while also uncovering details about their breeding patterns and offspring. Shine told CNN that the grandmothers serve as a “powerful example” of how the public can contribute to scientific advancements.
Claire Goiran/University of New Caledonia“The remarkable energy of the grandmothers and their deep connection with ‘my’ research area have completely changed our understanding of the population and ecology of marine snakes in this system,” Goiran stated. “It’s a true pleasure and honor to collaborate with them.” The findings were published in the journal Ecosphere.
The Fantastic Grandmothers, from left to right: Geneviève Briançon, Aline Guémas, Monique Zannier, Monique Mazière, Sylvie Hébert, Cathy Le Bouteiller, and Marilyn Sarocchi.Luckily, the Fantastic Grandmothers completed their study without any harm. In fact, there’s been no documented case of a greater sea snake biting anyone in the area, which Goiran attributes to the snakes’ “benevolent nature.”
The concept of a warm-hearted, cold-blooded venomous reptile might seem odd, but it’s probably not as bizarre as these really weird snakes.
