In 2012, Thy described Oligodon kampucheaensis, the Cambodian kukri. Lycodon zoosvictoriae is the second high profile snake discovery in the Cardamoms by FFI in the past two years. “Naming this species in honor of Zoos Victoria will ensure a memorable and historical record of the support they’ve given FFI, both in discoveries and conservation of the Cardamoms,” he said in a statement.
Thy says that naming the species after Zoos Victoria is a fitting way to honor the group’s contributions. The authors, led by Neang Thy of FFI, say the species is likely endemic to the Cardamoms, a range that rises to more than 1,500 meters and houses some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the Indo-China region, which has suffered from large-scale forest loss. Lycodon zoosvictoriae measures only 40 cm (16 inches) and likely hunts small lizards and frogs.
Like other wolf snakes, the species is characterized by long, large teeth in the front of their mouth. Lycodon zoosvictoriae is a cryptic species that is thought to be both arboreal and terrestrial. Lycodon zoosvictoriae is named after Zoos Victoria, a conservation group based in Parkville, Australia that has provided support to Fauna & Flora International (FFI), whose researchers - along with herpetologists from Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig in Germany - made the discovery. The species is described in the current issue of the journal Zootaxa. Photo by Neang Thy/FFI.Ī new species of wolf snake has been discovered in the forests of the Cardamom Mountains of southeast Cambodia. New snake species: the Zoos Victoria wolf snake or Lycodon zoosvictoriae.
0 kommentar(er)
