New viper species discovered
Details about the discovery of a new species of viper found in a remote area of Tanzania during a 2010-2011 biological survey have been published by the Zootaxa journal. The exact location of the snake has not been published and will remain a secret to prevent the involvement of the illegal pet trade.
"The global trade in wildlife is huge, and a very significant part of that is the illegal trade in wild-caught amphibians and reptiles, for the pet trade. Snakes are particularly popular and a new snake arouses considerable interest," explains Tim Davenport, the Tanzania Country Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
The snake has a dramatic black-and-yellow pattern, measures approximate 60 centimetres long, and has distinctive growths above the eyes which recall horns. A resemblance to the Usambara Bush Viper has been noted. The species has been dubbed Matilda's Horned Viper and has received the taxonomic name Atheris matildae in accordance with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.
The authors of the Zootaxa study believe that the viper will immediately be classified as a critically endangered species. The snake's natural habitat, which only constitutes an area of less than 100 square kilometres, has already been severely degraded by logging and the manufacture of charcoal. What little habitat is left is also declining in quality and thus viability. A small captive breeding colony to prevent complete extinction has already been established and the first few dozen offspring will be made available free of charge in the hope that a public effort can support the scientific program.
The species received its name from a five-year-old girl: Mr Davenport's daughter. "When we first discovered the snake, we kept one securely in a tank outside the office while we studied it. My daughter, then five years old, was fascinated and always insisted on helping us to feed it and look after it. It became known as Matilda's viper and the name stuck. We simply added the 'horned' later. She is very pleased but of course her younger sister wants a species now too! We will see what we can do..."
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
