Project Details
Description
Sea snakes occur in the Indian and Pacific oceans; 70 species are described scientifically (Rasmussen et al. 2011b, Nankivell et al. 2020). Sea snakes belong to the Elapid group, which includes some of the most venomous land snakes, such as the small-scaled taipan, brown snake, cobras, mambas, and coral snakes (Mirtschin et al. 2017). The venom of sea snakes is neurotoxic, and if bitten and the venom enters the system, it is deadly if left untreated (Mirtschin et al. 2017). Currently, science misses the description of 30-40% of all extant sea snake species, and it is the least described marine vertebrate group within amniotes (reptiles and mammals) despite being highly suitable for use as a bioindicator (Udyawer et al. 2018, Rasmussen et al. 2021). It is also essential to differentiate between the different species when producing monovalent serum against sea snake bites (Mirtschin et al. 2017).
With the current rate of biodiversity loss, virtually all geographic areas are exposed to global changes (Sutherland et al. 2009, Habibullah et al. 2022, Isbell et al. 2023). Therefore, it is necessary to use information based on extant species to evaluate the conservation status of an extensive range of ecosystems. Most marine species are cryptic and difficult to monitor, making useful marine indicator species scarce (Bishop and Alsaffar 2008, Ellis et al. 2012). Sea snakes fulfil most criteria to become suitable indicator species for marine areas (Rasmussen et al. 2021). However, we still need to classify a significant portion of the many existing sea snake species. As long as we have yet to sort out the biodiversity within sea snakes, the use of sea snakes as bioindicators will be prone to error. However, this lack of knowledge on the biodiversity of sea snakes is something we can change.
I have worked with sea snakes for the past 35 years, focusing on their systematics, biogeography, and biodiversity, using morphology and DNA as tools. I have published over 120 scientific articles on sea snakes (see included CV), including phylogenetic analyses, species complexes, conservation, identification keys, and biology (Sanders et al. 2013a, Sanders et al. 2015, Sherratt et al. 2019, Simões et al. 2020, Segall et al. 2021, Somaweera et al. 2021, Sherratt et al. 2022). In recent years, I have been working on using sea snakes as indicator species for climate change and unravelling the many species complexes within sea snakes to produce reliable identification keys for the entire group, enabling non-specialists to work with sea snakes as indicator species (Rasmussen et al. 2021).
I have already published identification keys for several large areas in Asia and Australia, but I still need to complete a global identification key for all sea snake species (Rasmussen and Ineich 2000, Rasmussen 2001, Rasmussen et al. 2011a, Sanders et al. 2013b, Rasmussen et al. 2014, Sanders et al. 2015, Mirtschin et al. 2017). The last published global identification key was published in 1926 by Smith. Through my work as a sea snake researcher, I have collected large amounts of data by visiting museums worldwide. I have also participated in sea snake expeditions in Asia and Australia, which have given me extensive knowledge of the many complex species. However, I still need to investigate areas in Asia and Australia to complete a global identification key and unravel various species complexes.
In the coming years, my research will focus on the many undescribed species to gain a better understanding of sea snake biodiversity. I will continue collaborating with colleagues from Indonesia (the most biodiverse country concerning sea snake species) and Australia to monitor marine areas, using sea snakes as bioindicators and by publishing a global sea snake key, which laypeople can use.
With the current rate of biodiversity loss, virtually all geographic areas are exposed to global changes (Sutherland et al. 2009, Habibullah et al. 2022, Isbell et al. 2023). Therefore, it is necessary to use information based on extant species to evaluate the conservation status of an extensive range of ecosystems. Most marine species are cryptic and difficult to monitor, making useful marine indicator species scarce (Bishop and Alsaffar 2008, Ellis et al. 2012). Sea snakes fulfil most criteria to become suitable indicator species for marine areas (Rasmussen et al. 2021). However, we still need to classify a significant portion of the many existing sea snake species. As long as we have yet to sort out the biodiversity within sea snakes, the use of sea snakes as bioindicators will be prone to error. However, this lack of knowledge on the biodiversity of sea snakes is something we can change.
I have worked with sea snakes for the past 35 years, focusing on their systematics, biogeography, and biodiversity, using morphology and DNA as tools. I have published over 120 scientific articles on sea snakes (see included CV), including phylogenetic analyses, species complexes, conservation, identification keys, and biology (Sanders et al. 2013a, Sanders et al. 2015, Sherratt et al. 2019, Simões et al. 2020, Segall et al. 2021, Somaweera et al. 2021, Sherratt et al. 2022). In recent years, I have been working on using sea snakes as indicator species for climate change and unravelling the many species complexes within sea snakes to produce reliable identification keys for the entire group, enabling non-specialists to work with sea snakes as indicator species (Rasmussen et al. 2021).
I have already published identification keys for several large areas in Asia and Australia, but I still need to complete a global identification key for all sea snake species (Rasmussen and Ineich 2000, Rasmussen 2001, Rasmussen et al. 2011a, Sanders et al. 2013b, Rasmussen et al. 2014, Sanders et al. 2015, Mirtschin et al. 2017). The last published global identification key was published in 1926 by Smith. Through my work as a sea snake researcher, I have collected large amounts of data by visiting museums worldwide. I have also participated in sea snake expeditions in Asia and Australia, which have given me extensive knowledge of the many complex species. However, I still need to investigate areas in Asia and Australia to complete a global identification key and unravel various species complexes.
In the coming years, my research will focus on the many undescribed species to gain a better understanding of sea snake biodiversity. I will continue collaborating with colleagues from Indonesia (the most biodiverse country concerning sea snake species) and Australia to monitor marine areas, using sea snakes as bioindicators and by publishing a global sea snake key, which laypeople can use.
| Status | Active |
|---|---|
| Effective start/end date | 01/01/2024 → 30/11/2026 |