Natrix Natrix Helvetica

Pro Natura is an important nature conservation organization in Switzerland. In 2015, it named the grass snake (Natrix natrix) its animal of the year, in an effort to raise awareness about this reptile and about the need to protect the wetlands the snake commonly inhabits.

Natrix natrix can be an elusive animal. A non-venomous snake, it will flee or play dead when feeling threatened, which makes sightings and observation difficult.

This illustration attempts to convey to the public a closer and more vivid look at the snake in its habitat, in a bid to highlight the important biodiversity of wetland environments. The work is a combination of pen and ink and digital media. It can later be digitally coloured; similarly, a species identification overlay can be added.

Drawn from direct observation from terrarium specimens.