Mystery solved: Record-breaking snake missing for decades discovered
A tiny snake, believed to be the smallest in the world, made a remarkable comeback after being lost to science for close to two decades. The Barbados threadsnake was recently found hiding under a rock during an ecological survey on the island of Barbados. Measuring only about three to four inches in length when fully grown, this minuscule serpent has the remarkable ability to coil itself to the size of a coin.
This elusive creature had been included in a global list of 4,800 lost plant, animal, and fungi species put together by the biodiversity organization Re:wild. The Barbados Ministry of the Environment and National Beautification had been actively searching for the threadsnake along with other native reptile species for over a year. According to Connor Blades, a project officer with the Ministry of Environment in Barbados, the Barbados threadsnake is a blind snake, making it incredibly cryptic and rare. Sighting this serpent has been infrequent, with only a few confirmed sightings since 1889, making it a mysterious and little-known species.
The Barbados threadsnake’s rediscovery was a significant moment for conservationists and researchers. Being visually similar to the Brahminy blind snake, identifying the threadsnake poses a challenge even for experts, often requiring the use of a magnifying glass. With each confirmed sighting having several decades between them, experts were well aware of the elusive nature of this species. The snake reproduces sexually, with females laying only one egg at a time. In contrast, the Brahminy blind snake can produce fertile eggs without mating, a phenomenon known as parthenogenesis.
During the ecological survey that led to the rediscovery of the Barbados threadsnake, researchers Connor Blades and Justin Springer stumbled upon the small serpent under a rock. Initially unsure if they had indeed found the elusive threadsnake, it was a moment of disbelief and excitement when they confirmed the tiny creature’s identity. The snake was carefully examined under a microscope before being returned to its forest habitat in central Barbados. The characteristics of the threadsnake, including its distinctive pale orange dorsal lines, eyes located on the side of its head, and other distinguishing features, confirmed its identity.
The ongoing efforts to locate and study the threadsnake’s habitat can provide valuable insights to design conservation actions to protect this unique species. With large portions of Barbados’ primary forest destroyed for agriculture over the past 500 years, the small area where the threadsnake was discovered is an essential biodiversity reservoir on the island. Ensuring the preservation of this habitat is crucial for the long-term survival of the Barbados threadsnake and other native species in the region.