New Cryptozoic Snake Species Has Been Found by Scientists Under Graveyards in Ecuador

Three new Cryptozoic (dwelling underground) snakes have been found by scientists under graveyards and churches in distant villages in Ecuador's Andes.

The new snakes, which are tiny, cylindrical, and rather archaic in appearance, were named after organizations or individuals who promote the research and protection of distant cloud forests in the tropics.

Three new species of ground snakes were discovered in Ecuador

(Photo : Jan Kopřiva/Unsplash)

Graveyards, believe it or not, are also inhabited by the living. They are home to a fossorial group of snakes from the genus Atractus in Ecuador's Andes, as per ScienceDaily.

These ground snakes are the world's most species-rich snake genus (150 species are presently recognized), but few people have seen one or even heard of them.

This is most likely because these serpents are shy and typically scarce, and they spend most of their life concealed.

Furthermore, the majority of them dwell in distant cloud forests, hidden underground or in deep fissures. In this case, though, the new ground snakes were discovered residing among crypts.

The three new species were discovered quite by chance and in regions where these creatures are unlikely to be found.

The Discovery Ground Snake (Atractus discovery) was discovered underground in a small graveyard in a remote cloud forest hamlet in southern Ecuador, while the other two new species were discovered next to an ancient church and a small school.

All of this suggests that new snake species may be hiding around the corner, at least in the Andes.

Unfortunately, ground snakes and villagers coexisting in the same town are often bad news for the snakes.

According to Arteaga's research, the bulk of the new snakes' original environment has already been destroyed.

As the forest line recedes, ground snakes are forced to seek sanctuary in human-occupied locations (both dead and alive), where they are frequently exterminated on sight.

According to Diego Pián, a teacher in the village where one of the new reptiles was discovered, "when I first arrived in El Chaco in 2013, I used to see numerous dead snakes on the road; others were attacked by machetes or with stones."

After years of discussing the value of snakes, both children and their parents, while still fearful of snakes, now respect and defend them.

Fortunately, Diego did not discard the dead snakes he discovered; instead, he stored them in alcohol-filled jars, which Arteaga later used to characterize the species as new to science.

Aside from educating about the significance of snakes, the procedure of naming species is crucial for raising awareness about the presence of a new animal and its risk of extinction. In this situation, two of the new snakes are thought to be in danger of extinction shortly.

The discovery process also allows us to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of individuals and organizations working to conserve wildlife.

Unearthing The Species Diversity Of A Cryptozoic Snake

Despite the large distribution ranges of certain cryptic species, their presence on islands frequently shows lineages distinct from those found on the mainland, as well as the occurrence of new species.

As a result, understanding both the ecology and evolutionary history of an endangered species on an island is critical for successful preservation and conservation.

Most snakes inhabit holes excavated by other animals, but others delve underground. Fossorial (burrowing) snakes are excellent diggers, as per A-Z Animals.

They burrow to avoid predators, remain warm, or even wait for food. According to several research, fossorial snakes are becoming extinct at a faster pace than non-fossorial snakes.

Different burrowing snakes

There is an entire genus of snakes known as 'burrowing asps,' which dwell in northern Africa and the Middle East and are generally feared due to their venom.

There are at least 15 species of burrowing asps, although many specialists believe there are more.

The Kirtland's snake is one of the few snakes in the United States that can burrow underground. Kirtland's snakes can grow to be two feet long and spend much of their time lurking in soft dirt or under leaf litter.

Their undersides are orange-red, and their bodies are brown with black, round patterns. Kirtland snakes are extremely uncommon and can only be found in wetlands, prairies, and marshes.

Sand boas are a kind of snake that burrows underground in one subfamily of snakes. Sand boas are related to other boa snakes (such as boa constrictors), but unique enough to warrant their own classification. Sand boas are found in 15 different species in North America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Sand boas, like other burrowing snakes, have heads that are no broader than their necks. The biggest species may grow to be nearly four feet long and have tiny eyes.

They burrow under the sand, as their name implies, and only emerge to ambush victims. Sand boas, like other boas, are non-venomous constrictors.