5 Most Snake-Filled Bodies Of Water In Wisconsin – WorldAtlas

 

Report on Serpentine Biodiversity in Wisconsin’s Aquatic Ecosystems and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

This report analyzes the biodiversity of snake populations within key aquatic ecosystems in Wisconsin, United States. The presence and health of these species serve as bio-indicators for the status of local environments. The analysis is framed within the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Mississippi River Corridor

Ecological Profile and SDG Relevance

The Mississippi River’s 230-mile corridor along Wisconsin’s western border represents a critical ecosystem supporting agriculture, recreation, and significant biodiversity. The management of this waterway directly impacts several SDGs.

• SDG 15 (Life on Land): The diverse terrain, including blufflands and floodplains, provides essential habitats for numerous species. Conservation of these areas is paramount to protecting terrestrial biodiversity.
• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): As a major river system, its health is vital for regional water quality and supports both human and ecological needs.
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Recreational use of the river necessitates public awareness regarding local wildlife to ensure safety.

Associated Snake Species

The river’s banks and adjacent forests provide ideal cover for various snake species. Notable species include:

1. Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon): A common, non-venomous species indicative of a healthy aquatic food web.
2. Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi): A non-venomous constrictor that contributes to rodent control, supporting agricultural health and reducing disease vectors (aligning with SDG 3).
3. Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus): A venomous species whose presence underscores the need for public education and caution. Protecting this species while ensuring human safety is a key challenge in balancing conservation (SDG 15) and public health (SDG 3). Urgent medical attention is required for a bite from this species.

Devil’s Lake State Park

Ecosystem Integrity and Sustainable Tourism

Devil’s Lake State Park is a key site for sustainable tourism and biodiversity conservation. The health of its 374-acre lake and surrounding cliffs is a direct reflection of successful environmental stewardship, contributing to SDG 15 and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through recreation.

Associated Snake Species

The park’s ecosystem supports a reptile population that is integral to its ecological balance.

• Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon): This species is prevalent within the lake, signifying a robust aquatic environment capable of supporting predator species. Its presence is a positive indicator for SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
• Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus): Although sightings are rare, its potential presence requires park management strategies that inform visitors and mitigate human-wildlife conflict, thereby supporting both SDG 15 and SDG 3.

Lake Winnebago

Freshwater Ecosystem and Community Interaction

As the largest inland lake in Wisconsin, Lake Winnebago is a vital freshwater resource whose management is crucial for achieving SDG 6 and SDG 14. The lake supports extensive recreational activities, linking ecosystem health to community well-being and local economies (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Associated Snake Species

The waterside habitats are particularly suitable for garter snakes, which play a role in local food webs.

1. Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
2. Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis)

These species are considered non-venomous to humans and thrive in areas with ample cover near water. Their stability is an indicator of habitat integrity along the shoreline, a key concern for SDG 15.

Fox River

Urban Waterway and Habitat Connectivity

The Fox River flows through urbanized and agricultural landscapes, presenting challenges and opportunities for sustainable development. Its role as a waterway connecting communities like Waukesha highlights the importance of integrating biodiversity conservation (SDG 15) with urban planning (SDG 11).

Associated Snake Species

The river system supports a mix of common and specialized snake species.

• Eastern Foxsnake (Pantherophis vulpinus): This species is frequently found in the region and contributes to rodent control. Its presence in areas of human activity calls for public awareness to prevent misidentification and ensure peaceful coexistence.
• Northern Watersnake and Common Garter Snake: The presence of these adaptable species indicates the river’s continued capacity to support wildlife despite developmental pressures.

Lake Michigan

Great Lakes Shoreline and Coastal Habitat Conservation

Wisconsin’s 400-mile shoreline on Lake Michigan is a critical economic and ecological zone. Balancing urban centers like Milwaukee with the preservation of coastal wetlands and state forests is essential for meeting SDG 11, SDG 14, and SDG 15.

Associated Snake Species

The diverse coastal habitats, from sandy beaches to grassy wetlands, support specific snake populations.

• Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix): This non-venomous species prefers open, grassy areas near water. Its conservation is tied to the protection of shoreline habitats from degradation.
• Common Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon): Found in the shallows and wetlands, this species is an integral part of the coastal aquatic ecosystem. Its health is linked to water quality and habitat availability, reflecting progress toward SDG 14.

Conclusion: Biodiversity as a Metric for Sustainable Development

The snake populations of Wisconsin’s primary water bodies are essential components of their respective ecosystems. Their diversity and stability serve as valuable indicators of environmental health, directly reflecting the state’s progress toward achieving key Sustainable Development Goals. The conservation of these species and their habitats is intrinsically linked to ensuring clean water (SDG 6), protecting life on water and land (SDG 14, SDG 15), promoting public health (SDG 3), and fostering sustainable communities (SDG 11). Responsible stewardship and public education are paramount to balancing conservation with human activity.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 15: Life on Land

   • The article is fundamentally about terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity. It describes Wisconsin’s ecosystems, including the “Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest,” farmlands, and wetlands.
   • It focuses extensively on specific fauna, detailing “over 20 species of snakes” such as the timber rattlesnake, northern watersnake, and common garter snake.
   • The text highlights the importance of these animals within their ecosystem, noting that “Snakes are an essential part of the ecosystem, helping control rodent and insect populations.”
   • The mention of state parks like “Perrot State Park,” “Wyalusing State Park,” and “Devil’s Lake State Park” points to the conservation of these terrestrial and freshwater habitats.

2. SDG 14: Life Below Water

   • The article is structured around major freshwater bodies, including “Lake Michigan,” the “Mississippi River,” “Lake Winnebago,” and the “Fox River.”
   • It describes these as “hotspots for life,” mentioning aquatic species like walleye and sauger, and semi-aquatic species like the “water-loving common watersnake.”
   • While SDG 14 primarily focuses on marine ecosystems, its principles of conserving and sustainably using aquatic ecosystems are relevant to the Great Lakes, which are vast inland freshwater seas.

3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • The article addresses public health and safety by warning about human-wildlife interactions.
   • It specifically identifies the “venomous timber rattlesnake” as a health risk, noting it has a “large venom yield and long fangs” and advising that “Urgent medical care is advised if bitten.”
   • This information serves as a public health advisory to prevent injury and illness among people using recreational areas.

4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • The article connects natural ecosystems to human settlements and recreation, mentioning “bustling centers like Milwaukee” and “small towns such as Manitowoc” along the coast of Lake Michigan.
   • It describes public access to green spaces, such as “Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac” which has “400 acres of outdoor area, with picnic shelters, a marina, a boat launch, and a train ride.”
   • The discussion of safety within these public spaces (e.g., “watch for snakes!”) relates to ensuring safe and accessible green areas for communities.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Targets for SDG 15: Life on Land

   • Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services. The article’s description of state and national parks (“Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest,” “Devil’s Lake State Park”) located around vital freshwater ecosystems directly relates to the conservation of these areas.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. The focus on the diversity of snake species and their specific habitats (“lush forests,” “grassy and open areas near water”) implies the need to protect these habitats to maintain biodiversity.
   • Target 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning. The existence of designated recreational and protected areas like “Perrot State Park” and “Wyalusing State Park” demonstrates the integration of ecosystem values into state-level planning.

2. Targets for SDG 14: Life Below Water

   • Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems. Although the article discusses freshwater bodies, the principles apply. The description of Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River as hubs for wildlife and recreation highlights the importance of protecting these large-scale aquatic ecosystems.

3. Targets for SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination. Illness from animal venom falls under environmental health risks. The article’s warning about the timber rattlesnake is aimed at reducing such incidents.
   • Target 3.d: Strengthen the capacity of all countries…for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks. The article itself functions as a tool for risk reduction and early warning by educating the public on identifying and avoiding dangerous snakes in specific locations.

4. Targets for SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces. The article describes numerous public parks and recreational areas (“Devil’s Lake State Park,” “Lakeside Park”) and implicitly addresses the “safe” aspect by providing information to mitigate the risk of snakebites.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators for SDG 15

   • Species Richness: The article states Wisconsin is “Home to over 20 species of snakes.” The number and variety of species identified (e.g., northern watersnake, bullsnake, timber rattlesnake, common garter snake, eastern foxsnake) serves as a direct indicator of biodiversity (Target 15.5).
   • Proportion of Protected Areas: The mention of specific protected areas like “Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest” and various state parks implies that the total area of land under protection can be used as an indicator for conservation efforts (Target 15.1). The article provides specific sizes for some areas, such as the “374-acre” Devil’s Lake and the “400 acres” of Lakeside Park.

2. Indicators for SDG 3

   • Incidence of Injury from Venomous Animals: The article implies this indicator by warning about the timber rattlesnake and advising that “Urgent medical care is advised if bitten.” A reduction in the number of snakebite envenomations would indicate progress toward Target 3.9.

3. Indicators for SDG 11

   • Area of Public Green Space: The article provides quantifiable data for this indicator by mentioning “Devil’s Lake, a 374-acre lake” and “Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac boasts 400 acres of outdoor area.” This data can be used to measure the availability of public green spaces per capita (Target 11.7).

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Summary

SDGs	Targets	Indicators Identified in Article
SDG 15: Life on Land	Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.	The existence and naming of protected areas (“Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest,” “Perrot State Park,” “Wyalusing State Park,” “Devil’s Lake State Park”).
SDG 15: Life on Land	Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats and halt the loss of biodiversity.	Species richness mentioned in the text (e.g., “over 20 species of snakes,” and the naming of specific species like Crotalus horridus).
SDG 14: Life Below Water	Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems.	The identification of major freshwater ecosystems (Lake Michigan, Mississippi River) as “hotspots for life” with diverse fauna (walleye, sauger, watersnakes).
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	Target 3.9: Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from…contamination.	The implied risk of injury from venomous snakes (“Urgent medical care is advised if bitten”), suggesting that the number of snakebite incidents is a relevant health indicator.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	Target 3.d: Strengthen capacity for early warning, risk reduction and management of health risks.	The article itself serves as an informational tool for public risk reduction by identifying dangerous species and their locations.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces.	The specified size of public green spaces (e.g., “Devil’s Lake, a 374-acre lake,” “Lakeside Park…boasts 400 acres”).

Source: worldatlas.com