Balkan Peninsula may become Europe’s last refuge for cold-blooded snakes as climate warms

Balkan Peninsula may become Europe’s last refuge for cold-blooded snakes as climate warms

Research published on July 27, 2026, suggests that climate change is reshaping the habitats of Europe’s snakes, with cold-adapted species facing the highest risk of decline. The study analyzed 31 European snake species using climate and land-use data to project future suitability of habitats. While much of Western Europe is expected to become less hospitable, the Balkan Peninsula emerges as a potential stronghold for snake diversity. The findings highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts in the region to protect vulnerable species from rising temperatures.