{
  "id": 19648359,
  "title": "Largest native snake: Aesculapian snake is \"Reptile of the Year\"",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/gro-te-einheimische-schlange-askulapnatter-ist-reptil-des-jahres",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-12T12:05:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/technik/forschung-innovation/groesste-einheimische-schlange-aeskulapnatter-ist-reptil-des-jahres/100269422.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "The Äskulapnatter has been named \"Reptile of the Year\" 2027 by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Herpetologie und Terrarienkunde (DGHT). The snake, found in the Wilhelma in Stuttgart, is the largest native and harmless snake in Germany, growing up to 1.80 meters long. The DGHT aims to raise awareness of the species' endangerment and the need to protect its habitats, as it is listed as \"strongly endangered\" on the Red List. The Äskulapnatter is mainly found in the Mediterranean region, with Germany at the northern edge of its distribution area, and is threatened by habitat loss.",
  "summary": "It can grow up to 1.80 meters long, is completely harmless and yet unknown to many: the Aesculapian snake. Why the largest native snake needs protection.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}