Snake Cannibalism: Study Reveals Surprising Evolutionary Pattern

• A new study in Biological Reviews reveals snake cannibalism is far more common than previously thought, evolving independently multiple times.
• Researchers reviewed 503 documented cases across 207 snake species, finding environmental stress and limited food resources as key triggers.
• Lead author Bruna Falcão from the University of São Paulo describes cannibalism as a strategic behavior benefiting ecological fitness.
• Cannibalism is prevalent in families like Colubridae (29% of reports), Viperidae (21%), and Elapidae (19%), with captivity increasing cases in Viperidae.
• Jaw flexibility and generalist diets are linked to cannibalistic behavior, suggesting opportunistic adaptation and ecological resilience.