Distribution of snakes (Reptilia: Serpentes) in Georgia: Social media networks help to improve scientific knowledge

Twentytwo snake species are recorded for Georgia. Over three years (2017–2019), social media (Facebook, iNaturalist and Instagram) was inspected to identify new records This led an increase in the total number of known locations by 78% this gain considerable growth Extent Occurrence (up 269%) Area Occupancy 188%) data. The identified professional amateur zoologists correlated with from scientific publications. In contrast, occasional sightings reported only weakly published data, providing valuable information on highly mobile snakes family Colubridae, which observation herpetologists’ disproportionately rare. study helped improve our knowledge range individual substantially. Specifically, a Colubridae before eastern Georgia were suitable habitats country’s western part. There significant gains Elaphe dione, Zamenis hohenackeri, Hemorrhois ravergieri, Vipera eriwanensis. Because IUCN categories reptiles dependent size shape their ranges, is useful planning conservation priorities country.