Mongabay · Natuur

New nocturnal snake from New Guinea named after Slash of Guns N’ Roses

Scientists have identified a new species of reddish-brown snake from Papua New Guinea and named it Lielaphis slashi, or Slash's groundsnake, in honor of the Guns N’ Roses guitarist for his advocacy of reptiles.

Slash's groundsnake is the twentieth species confirmed within the Lielaphis genus, found primarily on New Guinea. The snake has an unpatterned reddish-brown back and a white or cream underside.

The species was first found in July 2006 by co-author Christopher Austin in a secondary forest in Sandaun Province, Papua New Guinea. Initially thought to be a known species, subsequent genetic and morphological analysis confirmed it as distinct.

The authors note that New Guinea's Lielaphis groundsnakes are poorly understood due to their similar appearance, secretive nocturnal habits, and complex taxonomy, suggesting potential for more undescribed species.

Little is known about the new species' natural history. Its habitat faces threats from timber harvesting, industrial plantations, coffee farming, and mining, highlighting the importance of species description.

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