Venomous Snake Hidden in Leaf Litter, Costa Rica - stock photo

A venomous snake camouflaged among the fallen leaves and undergrowth of the rainforest floor demonstrates nature’s perfect design for stealth and survival. Snakes like this one are vital components of tropical ecosystems, helping control populations of small mammals and maintaining the balance of food webs. Despite their often fearsome reputation, snakes play an essential ecological role and are increasingly vulnerable due to habitat loss, human conflict, and climate change. Conservation of their natural habitats is vital for preserving biodiversity and the delicate ecosystems of tropical forest