Abstract.This document explains the concept of biodiversity and how it is represented in a megadiverse country like Colombia. The importance of biodiversity as heritage influencing the quality of life of humans, since in developing countries it represents an important source of resources for the subsistence of some families in a state of poverty. In addition, it is evident how human activities, such as agriculture, industrial production and the introduction of new species, have had a negative impact on ecosystems and herpetofauna species. The importance of agroforestry systems for the conservation of snakes and other species is also highlighted. On the other hand, it is exposed how fear, culture and ignorance affect the perspective of humans on some species such as snakes, ignoring the role that these uncharismatic species play in the stability and conservation of biodiversity.Keywords: biodiversity, human activities, conservation, agroforestry systems.