Tropidophis cacuangoae explained

Tropidophis cacuangoae is a dwarf boa species in the genus Tropidophis, described in 2022.

Description

T. cacuangoae usually grows to a length of 20 centimeters. These snakes have a skin coloring similar to those of the boa constrictor.[1]

Distribution and habitat

The snakes are endemic to South America, more precisely in Ecuador.[2]

Discovery

The species was discovered in 2022 in Ecuadorian Amazon by multi-organization researchers that included Mauricio Ortega Andrade, Alexander Bentley, Claudia Koch, Mario Yánez-Muñoz and Omar Entiauspe Neto.[3] Two specimens were found in the Colonso Chalupas national reserve and in the private Sumak kawsay park, the discoverers reported.[4] The specific epithet honors early 20th century indigenous rights activist Dolores Cacuango.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Scientists stumble upon tiny, 1-foot snake in rainforest — and discover a new species .
  2. Web site: AFP . 2023-01-06 . New dwarf boa found in Ecuadoran Amazon . 2023-01-07 . Digital Journal . en-US.
  3. Web site: Strange New Snake Species Dubbed Primitive 'Relic of Time' . 2023-01-07 . MSN . 6 January 2023 . en-US.
  4. Web site: New dwarf boa found in Ecuadoran Amazon . 2023-01-07 . phys.org . en.