In a remarkable breakthrough, scientists from the Chinese mainland have unveiled a new species of snake in Hunan Province. The Achalinus nanshanensis, distinguished by its vibrant yellow neck collar, adds to the rich biodiversity of the region.
Belonging to the Achalinus genus, commonly known as odd-scaled snakes, this newly identified species is exclusively found in the southwest counties of Chengbu and Tongdao in Hunan. This discovery brings the total number of recognized Achalinus species worldwide to 28, as reported in the latest issue of ZooKeys.
Mo Xiaoyang, a professor at Hunan Normal University and one of the study’s authors, highlighted the unique features of the Achalinus nanshanensis during their fieldwork conducted between 2022 and 2023. \"The bright yellow neck collar of this species is not only a striking characteristic but also played a crucial role in its identification,\" Mo explained.
Achalinus nanshanensis is a non-venomous snake that thrives in subtropical forests, often being spotted near streams following rainfall. Its colorful scales shimmer under light, a common trait among species in the Achalinus genus, which are known for their cave-dwelling and earthworm-eating habits.
The genus Achalinus boasts the highest diversity within the Xenodermidae family, with species primarily distributed across the Chinese mainland, Vietnam, and Japan. The discovery of Achalinus nanshanensis not only enriches the scientific community's understanding of these unique snakes but also underscores the ecological importance of Hunan's natural habitats.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
