Introduction
Hunting and harvesting wild animals is a longstanding tradition, especially in rural areas. It has been a source of sustenance and cultural activities for generations of people. Hunting Adder, also known as Vipera berus, is considered to be a popular pastime by many. However, there are a few valid reasons why hunting adder should be avoided.
Predators in the Ecosystem
Adder are top predators in their natural habitat, mostly preying on rodents, amphibians, and other small invertebrates. They play an important role in the balance of the ecosystem and help reduce the population of small herbivores, thereby regulating the availability of food for other species. Removing adder from an area can cause an imbalance in the food web and can lead to overpopulation of the herbivores, and subsequently, the other animals that feed on them.
The Adder’s Role in Medicine
Adder venom has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. It has been found to act as a natural anticoagulant and can thus reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and angina in humans. Further, it has been successful in treating inflammation, wound healing and even cancer. Therefore, interrupting the population of the adder can have a detrimental effect on the use of their venom in medicine.
Legal Implications of Adder Hunting
Harvesting any form of wild animal, including adder, is governed by stringent laws irrespective of the country. Since Adder is listed as a species of special concern by some state governments, the killing of one may lead to penalties and hefty fines. Thus, if caught hunting adder without the necessary permits, one may end up facing legal action and possible jail time.
The Possible Decline of the Adder
Adder populations have been in a steady decline for some time due to habitat destruction, climate change, over-harvesting and hunting pressure. This has not only led to the cratering of their numbers, but also created a void in the food chain, which in turn can be detrimental to other species that depend on the Adder for sustenance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Adder plays an important role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems and their venom has been incredibly useful for medical purposes. Adding to this, hunting of the adder can be detriment to the species and lead to a host of legal implications. Therefore, hunting/harvesting of the Adder should be avoided at all costs.