Scientists had been surveying snakes in Colombia, Ecuador and Panama once they discovered a number of species they didn’t acknowledge, the researchers stated in a examine revealed Jan. 25. Further evaluation confirmed their discovery of 5 new species of snail-eating, tree-dwelling snakes.
The new species — all of which have distinctive eye colours — are “drop-dead-gorgeous,” in response to a Jan. 27 information launch from EurekAlert.
One of the newly found species, Sibon irmelindicaprioae, or DiCaprio’s snail-eating snake, was named after actor and movie producer Leonardo DiCaprio’s mom, Irmelin DiCaprio, the examine stated. DiCaprio’s publicist and producer didn’t instantly reply to McClatchy News’ request for remark.
The examine stated Leonardo DiCaprio is a “long-time advocate and supporter of biodiversity conservation around the world.” He and different conservationists selected the names for a number of the snakes in honor of their family members, in response to EurekAlert.
The 2-foot-long snake has brilliant orange eyes and bands of reddish-orange, white and brown, photographs present. DiCaprio’s snail-eating snakes are “docile and never attempt to bite,” the examine stated. Instead, the snake defends itself by coiling its physique round its head and emitting a “musky and distasteful odor.” The species was discovered within the jungles of Panama and Colombia.
Scientists additionally found a species named Sibon cover, or the cover snail-eating snake, per the examine. This species had vibrant blood-red eyes and an identical scale sample of deep pink, white and inexperienced patches, photographs present. The species has solely been present in Panama.
Another of the newfound species was named Sibon marleyae, or Marley’s snail-eating snake, researchers stated. The snake was named after Marley Sheth, the daughter of “long-time supporters of biodiversity conservation,” per the examine.
Marley’s snail-eating snakes have burnt-orange eyes, a charcoal-colored tongue and a speckled scale sample of maroon, orange, yellow and white, photographs present. The species has been present in Ecuador and Colombia. Similarly to DiCaprio’s snail-eating snakes, this species can be docile and emits a foul odor when threatened.
The fourth species scientists found is Sibon vieirai, or Vieira’s snail-eating snake, the examine stated. Just over 2 ft lengthy, these snakes have brown eyes and an identical scale sample of deep browns, speckled with white and inexperienced, photographs present.
Vieira’s snail-eating snakes are extra lively at evening and through rainfall, the examine stated. The species is present in Ecuador and Colombia.
Researchers additionally found Dipsas welborni, or Welborn’s snail-eating snake, per the examine. Also about 2 ft lengthy, the snakes have tannish brown eyes and striped scale patterns of white and varied shades of brown and copper, photographs present.
When threatened, the species flattens itself, makes an attempt to kind a triangular form with its head and emits a foul odor, scientists stated.
All 5 snake species are threatened by authorized and unlawful mineral mining, researchers stated within the EurekAlert information launch. Open-pit mining operations destroy vegetation that these tree-dwelling species depend on to reside and forage.
“These new species of snake are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of new species discoveries in this region,” Alejandro Arteaga, a biologist who performed the analysis stated within the launch. “But if illegal mining continues at this rate, there may not be an opportunity to make any future discoveries.”
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