A new species of wolf snake found in Cambodia

A team of international researchers have discovered a unique species of wolf snake in South East Asia.

Image: Neang Thy/FFI

Some magnificent creatures still lay hidden in Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains, waiting to be found, analysed and categorised by researchers working in the area.

Over the past 14 years scientists working for Fauna and Flora International (FFI) have described seven previously unknown snake species in this remote area of South East Asia, and this week they’ve announced the eighth: a wolf snake.

Most wolf snakes are brown with white marks. Others, as reported by Ellie Zolfagharifard from the Daily Mail, even have purple markings, but the newly found snake is different. Its beautiful light brown skin with brownish marks is rare—and a perfect camouflage, making the reptile look like just another bunch of fallen leaves.

Zoos Victoria has supported FFI studies in the Cardamom Mountains and as a token of gratitude the researchers have named the snake Lycodon zoosvictoriae.

 “The support FFI received from Zoos Victoria has helped build the capacity of Cambodian researchers and conservationists and has greatly improved understanding of Cambodia’s reptiles and amphibians”, explained herpetologist Neang Thy in a press release. “Naming this species in honour 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.”

L. zoosvictoriae is non-venomous, but if it feels threatened it will cause damage with its large, sharp fangs. Just like other members of the Lycodon family, it feeds on small reptiles and amphibians.

This Cambodian region is still fairly unexplored and researchers believe there are still many species to be found.