In the lush jungles and cloud forests of Colombia and Ecuador, a team of dedicated scientists from the Khamai Foundation has made an extraordinary discovery.
They’ve identified five new species of eyelash vipers, adding to the world’s biodiversity and challenging our previous understanding of these mesmerizing snakes.
Published in Evolutionary Systematics, this groundbreaking study highlights the incredible diversity hidden within what was once thought to be a single species of viper spanning from Mexico to northwestern Peru.
The adventure began a decade ago, sparked by a bite from one of these now-identified species, showing just how much is still unknown about the natural world.
Eyelash vipers are known for their distinct appearance, sporting enlarged scales above their eyes resembling eyelashes. These unique features give the snakes a somewhat intimidating look, but their true purpose remains a mystery.
Interestingly, these snakes exhibit a wide range of colors within the same species, making them a polychromatic wonder.
From turquoise to gold and even rare “Christmas” and purple morphs, these vipers display an astonishing variety of colors, making no two individuals look the same.
Among the new discoveries, three species are exclusive to Colombia’s eastern Cordillera, adapting to both cloud forests and human-altered landscapes like coffee plantations.
One species, named Rahim’s Eyelash-Pitviper after Prince Rahim Aga Khan, is found in the challenging terrain of the Chocó rainforest, an area fraught with difficulties due to the presence of drug cartels.
Another species, Hussain’s Eyelash-Pitviper, is native to southwestern Ecuador and northern Peru, underscoring the need for conservation efforts in these biodiverse Andean regions.
The study also sheds light on the venom of these vipers. Contrary to the more dangerous venom of Central American Eyelash-Vipers, the new species appear to have a less lethal bite, as evidenced by co-author Lucas Bustamante’s experience.
He was bitten by Rahim’s Eyelash-Pitviper and recovered with no lasting harm after prompt treatment, highlighting the potential for further research into the venom’s components.
However, the discovery comes with a note of urgency. Four of the newly identified species are at high risk of extinction due to their limited geographic range and significant habitat destruction.
The Khamai Foundation is taking steps to protect these species by establishing a reserve for a sixth, yet-to-be-described species, emphasizing the importance of canopy cover for their survival.
The illegal pet trade poses another threat, with poachers targeting these visually striking vipers. The study’s authors call for increased protection and monitoring to ensure the survival of these fascinating creatures.
Additionally, they advocate for research into the venom of these new species, which could benefit local communities and further conservation efforts.
In naming the new species, the researchers have honored individuals and families who have supported biodiversity conservation, including Prince Hussain Aga Khan, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the Shah family, Casey Klebba, and Dr. Juewon Khwarg.
This gesture highlights the collaborative effort required to uncover and protect the natural world’s hidden treasures.
This discovery is a call to action for the conservation of the Andes’ unique biodiversity and a reminder of the mysteries still waiting to be uncovered in the world’s forests.
As we learn more about these newly identified eyelash vipers, we’re reminded of the delicate balance of ecosystems and the critical role of scientific research in preserving our planet’s incredible diversity.
The research findings can be found in Evolutionary Systematics.
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