While conducting field research in Dak Glong District, Dak Nong Province, scientists have discovered a new species of snake.
Local residents, while fishing in a wetland area of the Dak Krong River basin that flows through Dak Glong District, Dak Nong Province, caught two specimens of the snake.
These individuals later handed the two snake specimens over to a team of scientists conducting field research in the area, including Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Sang, biologist Le Van Manh (from the Tropical Biology Institute, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology), Dr. Vo Thi Dieu Hien (Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City), and several international researchers.
Wetland forest and rubber plantation, where the new snake specimens were found in Vietnam. (Photo: Nguyen Ngoc Sang).
The scientists recognized that these two snake specimens exhibited unusual scale characteristics, distinct from those of previously documented snake species.
Earlier, another snake specimen was also caught by local residents at a rubber plantation in the area and was submitted to the scientists. This snake was similar to the two specimens found in the wetland.
The dorsal view of the newly discovered snake species in Vietnam. (Photo: Nguyen Ngoc Sang, Le Van Manh, Vo Thi Dieu Hien).
After DNA analysis, the scientists confirmed that these three snake specimens, consisting of two males and one female, truly represent a new snake species, scientifically named Myrrophis dakkrongensis, commonly referred to as Dak Krong Puffing Snake (or Dak Krong Mud Snake). This species is named after the Dak Krong River, where the first specimen was discovered.
Currently, this snake species has only been found in Dak Glong District, Vietnam, but researchers believe that Myrrophis dakkrongensis may also inhabit other areas within the Dak Krong River basin.
The ventral view of the newly discovered snake species in Vietnam. (Photo: Nguyen Ngoc Sang, Le Van Manh, Vo Thi Dieu Hien).
Experts distinguish these snake specimens as a new species based on average size, scale color, and DNA analysis results. Scientists report that the male snakes range from 40 to 43 cm in length, while the female specimen measures 46 cm. These snakes have short tails.
The captured snakes have smooth scales, dark brown to black on the back and sides, and a cream to light yellow underside with three dark brown stripes. The snakes also exhibit two distinct yellow to orange stripes running along the body.
Researchers also noted that the male specimen was identified by its short, bifurcated genitalia with spines, known as hemipenes. Notably, the female specimen was found to be pregnant, with 12 well-developed embryos.
The study conducted by the scientists on the newly discovered snake species in Vietnam has been published in the journal “Vertebrate Zoology,” one of the most prestigious scientific journals on zoology globally, featuring an editorial team of renowned scientists and biologists from around the world.
| The genus Myrrophis (also known as mud snakes or puffing snakes) is a genus of non-venomous or mildly venomous snakes that pose no danger to humans. |
