New evidence on blind snake presence in Sicily stress the need for targeted monitoring

Abstract

The Brahminy blind snake, Indotyphlops braminus, is the most widely introduced reptile globally. Its spread has been facilitated by the international plant trade, owing to its ability to inhabit plant pots. In Europe, I. braminus is found in Spain (mainland Spain and Canary Islands: Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and La Gomera), Portugal (Madeira Island), Malta and Italy (Ischia and Sicily Islands). This study presents data on the long-term persistence of I. braminus at the first occurrence site in Sicily (Paceco, western Sicily) and new records of the species in this region. Observations in Paceco from 2017 to 2023 suggest the possible survival of a population. Furthermore, individuals attributable to this species were observed in two additional sites, both in urban contexts: the island of Pantelleria (Sicily channel) where two specimens were found in the same site in 2023 and 2024 and Valderice (western Sicily). Our findings indicates that I. braminus may be significantly more widespread in Sicily than previously known. Therefore, further surveys in this area are necessary, and monitoring these sites could be crucial in assessing the survival of this species in Mediterranean climates.