New Species of Venomous Mountain Pit Viper Discovered in China's Yunnan Province

The latest report highlighted the discovery of a new and unique snake species: a mountain pit viper. The venomous snake was found in Yunnan, China.

Snakes are unique wild animals. There are over 3,000 species worldwide, and they have evolved to survive or adapt to changing environments. Over 100 million years ago, snakes diversified.

As snakes adapt to their surroundings, these animals have found ways to mimic, camouflage, and deliver deadly venom. Although snakes are dangerous or formidable, they are threatened by habitat loss, overcollection, pollution, and extreme weather events.

As a result, studying and discovering new snake species are crucial for conservation and protection efforts amidst the threats to their population. In a recent report published on June 12, researchers found a new species of a medium-sized venomous snake in Yunnan, China.

New Snake Species in Yunnan, China

Researchers can only sometimes discover new species in the animal kingdom. It will take explorations using technologies or DNA analysis to uncover different species.

According to the report, researchers found an unknown species of venomous snake. The discovery was identified as a mountain pit viper named Ovophis Jenkinsi in honor of herpetologist Robert "Hank" William Garfield Jenkins. This significant finding is expected to offer new information about this animal.

In terms of appearance, the new mountain pit viper is brownish-gray, while others seem to look orange-brown. This animal has also trapezoidal patches on its back. The research was published in Zookeys.

Another discovery is the snake's behavior. Researchers said that the snake is slow-moving but could become aggressive when disturbed. Additionally, the snake protects itself or performs a defensive move by inflating its body to make it larger, then attacking quickly.

The distribution of this snake is considered endemic in China's Yingjiang County. The mountain pit viper stays in a cooler and humid environment, consuming small mammals it can prey on.

While the snake is venomous, no recorded bites show humans being bitten by this species. Additionally, the researchers aim to conduct more studies about this species, including its habits, distribution, and appearance.

Also Read: Largest Insects in Wildlife: 6 Unique Species From Titan Beetles to Atlas Moths

New species of eyelash vipers in Colombia and Ecuador

In a recent Nature World News (NWN) report, researchers unearthed five new species of eyelash vipers in Colombia and Ecuador. These snakes have striking colors and patterns.

One of the scientists was bitten by this viper while fieldwork in Ecuador. Although the bite was not dangerous, the scientist collected tissue samples from this eyelash viper using DNA molecular techniques.

The study discovered that these eyelash vipers belong to different evolutionary lineages. Meanwhile, the report noted the importance of using different tools to identify new species.

Related Article: Warming Temperature Could Expand Geographic Range of Some Venomous Snakes

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