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New Snake Species Named After Steve Irwin
19 Nov
Summary
- A new wolf snake species discovered in India is named after Steve Irwin.
- The snake, found on Great Nicobar Island, is classified as endangered.
- This nocturnal, non-venomous snake grows up to one meter long.
A new species of snake discovered on India's Great Nicobar Island has been named Lycodon irwini, or Irwin's wolf snake, in a tribute to the late conservationist Steve Irwin. Researchers were inspired by Irwin's dedication to wildlife education and conservation, stating he influenced their career paths and societal attitudes towards wildlife professions in India.
The newly identified snake is characterized by its glossy black appearance, growing up to a meter in length. It is strictly nocturnal and is believed to feed on small lizards and frogs. Although non-venomous, the snake may bite if handled. The species is known from only four records, all from Great Nicobar Island, leading scientists to classify it as endangered.
This discovery underscores the significant, yet incomplete, understanding of herpetofaunal diversity in the region. The researchers emphasize the importance of focused taxonomy and conservation efforts for the Nicobar Islands' unique biota, which may represent distinct evolutionary lineages.
