Which continent has no native snake species?

Antarctica is the only continent with no native snake species.

Snakes are absent because Antarctica’s extreme cold prevents them from maintaining the body temperatures needed for normal activity, digestion, growth, and reproduction. Unlike mammals and birds, snakes are ectothermic, so they rely heavily on environmental heat.

Snakes occur naturally on every other continent except Antarctica, although their distribution varies widely. Australia has many native snakes, including elapids and pythons, while South America contains boas, anacondas, vipers, and numerous colubrids. Some oceanic islands also lack native snakes but may have introduced populations.

The absence of snakes is sometimes confused with the absence of reptiles generally. Antarctica also has no native land reptiles, amphibians, or terrestrial mammals. Its only permanent native vertebrates are mainly marine or bird species, especially penguins and seals.