Scientists in China uncover a snake species rarely seen for a century
Scientists have identified a species of snake in China that is rarely seen.
In a remarkable turn of events, a rarely seen snake species has been rediscovered in the Wuyishan Mountains in Fujian Province, China. The elusive creature, known as the Chinese mountain snake, had not been observed in the wild for over a decade, leading many to believe it was extinct.
The breakthrough came when a team of researchers, led by Professor Li Wei from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, embarked on an expedition to the dense forests of Fujian. Their persistence paid off when they startled a snake concealed beneath a pile of leaves. Upon closer inspection, they identified it as the Chinese mountain snake, a species previously known only from preserved specimens.
“The topotypic specimen was collected on the ground of a sunny hillside at approximately 10:00 a.m. The slope of the collection site is approximately 30°,” researchers said. “The snake was hiding under the dead leaves and, when we passed by, it was disturbed and crawled out from under the dead leaves. The species is slow and easy to catch. No attack behaviour was observed.”
According to the study, “Plagiopholis styani was considered to be widely distributed in southern China,” but a DNA analysis found it “may only be distributed in Fujian” and surrounding regions provinces.
Hong Kong Snake ID describes the animal as “a small species with a grayish black head that transitions sharply to a tan neck with a thin cream colour collar... faint dorsal stripe can be seen on most specimens starting from the head and fading off in the first third of the body.”
It adds that, as for its behaviour, the snake is “active mostly during the day the Chinese Mountain Snake is a docile hunter of small lizards.”
Related stories
This rediscovery has sparked renewed interest in the biodiversity of China’s forests and the importance of preserving these ecosystems. Conservationists hope that this finding will lead to increased efforts to protect the habitats of such elusive species and raise awareness about the fragility of forest ecosystems.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment