Toxicon 2022 Jul 4;213:43-51. Epub 2022 Apr 4.
Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade, Ambiente e Saúde, Caxias, MA, 65604-380, Brazil; University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Center and Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Box 461, SE-405-30, Göteborg, Sweden. Electronic address:
Knowing the distribution of venomous snakes of medical importance is essential to identify areas at risk for snakebites. Thus, we used an integrative approach based on the application of geographic distribution data of venomous snakes, species distribution modeling (SDM), spatial organization of snakebites, and information on human population density for mapping the potential distribution of snakes and identifying areas at risk of snakebites in the state of Maranhão (mid-northern Brazil). From a compiled database of venomous snake records deposited in biological collections and the literature, we predict the potential distribution of venomous snakes in Maranhão, a state whose diversity and geographic distribution of venomous snake species are poorly known. Read More