Scientists stumble upon tiny, 1-foot snake in rainforest — and discover a new species
Scientists in the rainforest of Ecuador stumbled upon a tiny snake — and discovered a new species, according to a study.
The scientists were studying snakes when they found a number of “unique” specimens that did not fit in an existing species classification, according to the study published in the European Journal of Taxonomy on Dec. 29.
The snakes were small — only growing about 1-foot long — and had similar coloring to boa constrictors, the study explained. Photos taken by AFP on Jan. 6 show the tan snake’s speckled with black spots, some with faded coloring.
Researchers classified the animal as a type of dwarf boa snake and named it Tropidophis cacuangoae.
The study is based on two specimens collected in the cloud forest of northeastern Ecuador. Notably, x-rays of the male dwarf boa showed “pelvic remnants,” scientists said.
The snake is likely native to Ecuador and was given a name to match, scientists said.
The animal was named after Dolores Caucango, an indigenous Ecuadorian woman known for her work as a feminist and indigenous rights activist, the study said. Caucango founded the Ecuadorian Indigenous Federation and the first bilingual schools in Ecuador, teaching students in Spanish and Quechua.
Researchers called for the new species to be granted “threatened species status” due to its limited geographic range. The study also noted further research was needed to assess the conservation needs and current population status of the newly identified dwarf boa.
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