On June 27, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) announced that biologists studying in the forests of Borneo, Indonesia, have discovered a new species of venomous snake that can change its color to match its environment, much like a chameleon.
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| Color-changing venomous snake in the swamp forests of Borneo, Indonesia (Photo: .nationalgeographic) |
The newly discovered venomous snake measures 50 cm in length and was found by biologists and reptile experts from Germany in the swamp forests of Borneo, Indonesia. The scientists have named it the Kapuas Mud Snake.
When the biologists picked up this new snake and placed it into a container, its skin was a light reddish-brown. However, due to an immediate natural reaction to its surroundings, its skin changed to white.
Iwan Wibisono from the World Wildlife Fund stated that the snake’s typical color-changing ability is a form of self-defense in its habitat. He also emphasized that “this snake is indeed a new species.”
According to the biologists at the World Wildlife Fund, some reptiles with limbs, such as lizards and chameleons, have the ability to change their skin color, but it is extremely rare for snakes to do so.
Since 1996, scientists have discovered 361 new species of animals and plants on the island of Borneo, Indonesia—a region shared with Malaysia and Brunei—boasting an unprecedented biodiversity in the world.
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