Mongabay · Climate & nature

New Egg-Eating Snake Species Discovered in Ethiopian Highlands

A previously undocumented species of nonvenomous, egg-eating snake has been identified in the forested mountains of southern Ethiopia. Named the white-throated egg-eater (Dasypeltis albigularis), it possesses an ink-black body with bluish skin between scales and a distinct white throat and belly.

The snake feeds exclusively on bird eggs, which it crushes using specialized vertebrae in its throat. Researchers first encountered a population in the Harenna Forest in 2019, initially mistaking it for the similar African egg-eating snake (Dasypeltis atra) due to its black coloration.

Distinctive scales and coloration on a juvenile prompted further investigation, including captive-breeding trials and genetic analysis. These studies confirmed the snake was a new species.

The discovery process involved an ethical consideration regarding the designation of a holotype. The researchers opted to wait for a naturally deceased specimen rather than euthanizing an animal for scientific description.

Genetic and morphological analysis revealed the white-throated egg-eater is likely endemic to the southern slope of the Somalian Plateau, inhabiting forests, agricultural areas, and villages. Its presence within Bale Mountains National Park is not yet confirmed.

The primary threat to this newly identified species is human persecution, as local villagers tend to kill snakes out of fear or disgust, despite the absence of venomous species in the region.

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