Although scientists around the globe have found hundreds of species, they’re nonetheless uncovering new ones at the moment. On September 19, 2023, researchers reported their discovery of a never-before-seen pit viper discovered within the Satun province of Thailand. The group of 9 revealed their findings in an article in Vertebrate Zoology. The wildlife journal is devoted to “taxonomy, morphology, anatomy, phylogeny (molecular and morphology-based), historical biogeography, and paleontology of vertebrates” per their homepage. As such, it was the proper place to publish the brand new snake species discovery!
What’s Different About the New Snake Species?
Common to the realm, seeing a pit viper didn’t shock the scientist. What caught their eye was its good emerald inexperienced shade, however even that was not its distinctive characteristic. Upon additional inspection, they observed the snake had scales over the eyes that gave an look of eyelashes. Thus, the snake turned the limestone eyelash pit viper (Trimeresurus ciliaris). The new snake species regarded solely barely totally different from its cousins, however sufficient to trigger the scientists to take a more in-depth look and begin finding out it.
Originally sighted in 2016, the group spent many years analyzing the brand new snake species each within the wild and in captivity. The principal factor that confirmed its new-species standing got here from comparisons of its DNA to different pit vipers within the area. Scientists are nonetheless conducting extra analysis about the popular habitat and prey gadgets of the brand new pit viper together with the toxicity of its venom.
What Does the New Snake Species Look Like?
©Thai National Parks, CC BY-SA 4.0 – License
With vibrant emerald inexperienced and reddish-brown coloration, the snake blends completely into the moss-covered limestone rocks on which it was noticed. The new pit viper appears just like a number of others within the space. Species that look similar to others are known as cryptic species. Cryptic species are almost indistinguishable within the wild and sometimes require DNA samples to distinguish them.
Like all pit vipers, the brand new snake species encompasses a triangular head, heat-seeking pits between the eyes and nostrils, and vertical pupils. Their defining characteristic is the eyelash-like scales over the eyes. The eyelash pit viper of Central and South America additionally shows these attention-grabbing scales, although theirs are extra dramatic than these of the brand new snake. The new pit viper additionally shows a barely upturned snout.
A report within the Miami Herald exhibits some stunning pictures of the brand new pit viper and the Thai National Park web site has already entered the brand new snake species into their database. Meanwhile, Thai conservation organization, Rabbit within the Moon Foundation, shared the thrilling new discovery on their Facebook web page.
We sit up for studying extra about this gorgeous new snake species! For now, let’s take a fast take a look at the three different pit vipers endemic (solely present in that space) to the identical area.
What Relatives of the New Snake Species Live within the Area?
According to the report revealed in regards to the new limestone eyelash pit viper, three different species exist in the identical space with very related appearances. Check out every of them beneath!
Kanburi Pit Viper
©Thai National Parks, CC BY-SA 4.0 – License
First found in 1943, the Kanburi pit viper (Trimeresurus kanburiensis) was the primary of the 4 similar-looking pit vipers discovered within the area. It could be the one species acknowledged there for almost 50 years!
Beautiful Pit Viper
©Thai National Parks, CC BY-SA 4.0 – License
The Beautiful pit viper (Trimeresurus venustus) was the second of the 4 species, found in 1991. Some scientists thought of it the identical because the Kanburi pit viper, however shortly realized it was a completely new snake species.
Kui Buri Pit Viper
©Thai National Parks, CC BY-SA 4.0 – License
The most not too long ago found of the 4 earlier than the brand new snake species was the Kui Buri pit viper (Trimeresurus kuiburi). It was first found in 2021. Though equally coloured to the brand new pit viper, it seems to have much less vibrant coloration and distinction.
Final Thoughts on the New Snake Species
The discovery of a brand-new snake species is completely thrilling! Although people have found hundreds of species around the globe, there are nonetheless new and thrilling species to uncover. That truth offers many individuals the drive to exit and discover them! The pit viper household alone already consists of 155 (now 156) distinct species. How many extra could possibly be on the market?
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