Leopard snake sightings fall to 18

Only 18 leopard snake sightings were verified during the first eight months of 2026, down from 33 in the same period last year, according to a citizen-science project using 1,860 records. Researcher Nick Dobbs warns the species could become functionally extinct in Malta within ten years if the decline continues. The project identifies dense development, loss of traditional dry-stone walls, traffic and cat predation as major pressures. Roads account for 63% of recorded deaths across Malta’s four snake species. Dobbs recommends habitat protection and a captive-breeding and release programme.