Anglers are invited to catch bass fish to save a certain type of snake from extinction

Reuters reports that anglers are asked to help rescue an endangered Cyprus water snake called Natrix natrix cypriaca, that faces threat from a snappy fish.

To resolve the problem, at least temporarily, anglers will be allowed in February 2010 to fish again in the Xyliatos Reservoir on the foot of Troodos Mountains, where this aggessive fish lives.

The problematic fish (largemouth bass) eats almost everything that moves in the depths, including frogs that consist the primary source of food for the endangered snake.

The snake is harmless and does not poison or bite. It only fakes death or produces bad smelling fluid when attacked.

Reuters informs that the remains of this snake has been discovered in a very old site, probably the oldest prehistoric site in Cyprus (Aetokremmos), some 12 thousand years old.

The bass fish appeared in the reservoir in recent years. Authorities think it might have been brought in by anglers who found it easy to catch bass, compared to the difficult task of catching trout fish.