The reptile species have an instinctive fear of prey. Whether or not, any other reptile is present, you need to provide them with shelter and hiding spots. They camouflage and hide under the leaf litter. The presence of leaf litter attracts caterpillars, bugs, and worms creating a more diverse habitat. Over time, the dried leaves will provide a moisture-retentive soil where plants can thrive.
You may prepare tadpole tea by boiling the leaves for 5-minutes. The water will turn into a yellow-brownish hue and will help in lowering the pH level of the soil and help in overall development of these cold-blooded reptiles. It’s not just snakes and other reptiles that benefit from leaf-litter; box turtles, butterflies, insect-eating birds, and many other wildlife benefits from this native-like-habitat. You may also use these leaves for fun DIY crafts such as designing ornaments for a Christmas tree or use it as a stuffing for a scarecrow.