An unknown creature with "blade-shaped fangs" was discovered in a cave in Thailand: researchers are confused. Photo
Two researchers have discovered an unknown creature in Thailand. It looks very much like a snake, but it has white fangs in the form of a blade.
In addition, the reptile has very pronounced scales on its underbelly. This helps in moving on vertical rocky surfaces due to grip, writes Mail Online.
"The animal is particularly adapted to living in harsh conditions," said one of the researchers.
Biologists have confirmed that this is a completely new species that may be hiding in caves and mountains.
Source: Facebook/Harry Ward-Smith
The find has been named the "Kukri cave snake," or Oligodon speleoserpens, after its harsh home in limestone karst mountain caves in Thailand. It is believed that this species lives in very deep crevices, which is why it has not been noticed before.
Biologists noted that "two enlarged wedge-shaped upper teeth" and scales for extreme crawling are strong evidence that this is a completely new species.
The snake is perfectly adapted to living in rocky terrain.
Source: evolsyst. pensofit.net
To get just three specimens of the new species, herpetologists (researchers specializing in reptiles) had to climb a five-story-high cliff.
"It's very risky, but I had no choice but to 'free solo' (climb without ropes)," Ward-Smith, one of the discoverers of the species, shared on his Facebook page.
Herpetologists noted that it was worth it - the snake is too important for science to miss the opportunity to study it.
According to the zoologists, the newly discovered snake eats eggs of other reptiles, including two species of gecko, which are also good at navigating rocky terrain.
The researchers took a risk by climbing a high cliff to avoid losing their unprecedented find.
Source: Facebook/Harry Ward-Smith
A dense mountain range marks the border between Thailand's southern provinces of Trang and Satun. According to geologists, this rocky region was formed as a result of tectonic faults.
The expedition to the rocky ridge of Thailand was aimed at studying another species of reptile, which was also recently discovered: Trimeresurus ciliaris, or "limestone viper".
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