Horned Snakes Found in Tanzania

New species of horned viper and found in the area of ​​Tanzania. Type of snake was named Atheris matildae found Tim Davenport, scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the team through the expedition to the region.

Atheris matildae known to be close relatives of Atheris cerathopora, horned serpents and venomous species which are found in the woods. Scientists predict that the horned snake Matilda separated into a new species from 2.2 million years ago.

One of the horned snake horned Matilda with jungle snake is bigger in size, about 64.3 cm. Another difference is the different colors, yellow and black alloys, as well as the typical pattern of scales on the head.

Davenport said Atheris matildae habitat is very limited, only an area of ​​100 sq km and has been degraded. Davenport said that the species should be included in the category of "Endangered" in the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Found in Tanzania, the specific location of the discovery of this snake species remain confidential. Is assembled with the magnitude of the threat to the survival of the species. Snakes with eksotismenya often hunted for their skin or used as pets.

"Global wildlife trade is enormous, and the significance of the illegal trade in amphibians and reptiles are wild, to pets. Snakes are very popular and growing interest in new types of snakes are high," said Davenport just as quoted by Mongabay on Thursday (15/12 / 2011).

To maintain the continuity of the horned snake species Matilda, now scientists are taking 4 males, 5 females and 2 pups from Atheris matildae to bred. The effort is expected to be guaranteed the existence of horned snakes Matilda.

"We plan to provide the first dozen of this snake for free in order to give supply to the captive market of this new species. Aim to prevent the collection of wild catches, lower prices and encourage responsible breeding by experts from various countries who most want it," said Davenport .

Rare species of snake found in Sumatra, Indonesia

Researchers WWF Indonesia, Ridwan Setiawan, Sumatran pit viper was discovered snake species or Sumatran tree viper. Named species of Trimeresurus sumatranus it is not a new species, but relatively rare species.

"In Sumatra, now it is difficult to find this species. First may quite often, it's rare, "said the researcher who is familiarly called Iwan Podol it.

Iwan said, Trimeresurus sumatranus a venomous snake with a unique style. Basic color is gray, yellow-green patterned snake and has a reddish tail. The size is 1.5 to 2 meters long.

The snake is found precisely in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Lampung. The area is suitable habitat for the Sumatran pit viper was because the condition is moist and rich food source for snakes.

John explained that the snake was discovered during a survey of Sumatran rhino habitat for some time. Place of discovery is in the forest habitat is still maintained, that in primary forest.

Trimeresurus sumatranus, Iwan is clear, usually eat frogs, rats forest, and several species of birds. Usually, the snake was found in a small tree branch and still close to the ground.

According to John, the snake is active at night. Distribution of its own habitat in Sumatra, Mentawai, Nias, Borneo, to the Peninsular Malaysia to Thailand.

Currently, this rare type of snake was facing the threat. "There are many snakes are hunted. This snake coraknya unique, so one of the hunted. Snakes are also hunted for their toxins, "said Iwan.

Threats also come from forest destruction activities. "If the forests are destroyed, damaged habitat, it is also a threat to this snake," said John when contacted Kompas.com.

Stopping forest destruction and hunting are the appropriate steps to maintain the viability of this snake species. With the move anyway, many species can be saved.