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A team of scientists, led by researchers from the Khamai Foundation, have recently discovered five new species of eyelash vipers in the jungles and cloud forests of Colombia and Ecuador. This groundbreaking discovery was published in the open-access journal Evolutionary Systematics.
Prior to this study, these charming vipers were mistakenly classified as a single, highly variable species spanning from Mexico to northwestern Peru. The decade-long research began with an unexpected incident where one of the authors was bitten by one of these previously undiscovered species.
Eyelash vipers are known for their distinctive feature: a set of enlarged spine-like scales above their eyes, giving them a fierce appearance. However, the true purpose of this feature is still unknown. What is certain is that certain populations have longer and more stylized eyelashes than others. These differences in eyelash length led researchers to hypothesize the existence of undiscovered species.
Eyelash vipers are also known for their polychromatic nature. The same patch of rainforest may contain individuals of the turquoise morph, the moss morph, or the gold morph, all belonging to the same species but with completely different appearances. “No two individuals have the same coloration, even those belonging to the same litter (yes, they give birth to live young),” says Alejandro Arteaga, the lead researcher of the study.
For some of the species, there is a “Christmas” morph, a ghost morph, and even a purple morph, with the different varieties often coexisting and breeding with each other. The reason behind these incredible color variations is still unknown, but it likely allows the vipers to occupy a range of ambush perches, from mossy branches to bright yellow heliconias.
Where do these new snakes live?
Three of the five new species are endemic to the eastern Cordillera of Colombia, where they inhabit cloud forests and occasional plantations. One, the Rahim’s Eyelash-Pitviper, stands out for occurring in the remote and pristine Chocó rainforest on the border between Colombia and Ecuador, an area considered “difficult to visit” due to the presence of drug cartels. The Hussain’s Eyelash-Pitviper occurs in the forests of southwestern Ecuador and extreme northwestern Peru. The researchers emphasize the importance of conservation and research in the Andes mountain range and its valleys due to its biogeographic significance and undiscovered megadiversity.
The Venomous Vipers of the Chocó Rainforest: A Threatened Species in Need of Urgent Conservation Efforts
The Chocó rainforest, located in the western part of Colombia and Ecuador, is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including four species of vipers from the Bothriechis schlegelii complex. Recently, a team of researchers led by Alejandro Arteaga discovered two new species within this group, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts in this region.
The Venomous Secret of the Vipers
According to co-author Lucas Bustamante, the venom of some (if not all) of the new species is significantly less lethal and hemorrhagic than that of the typical Central American Eyelash-Viper. Bustamante himself was bitten by the Rahim’s Eyelash-Pitviper while taking its photos during a research expedition in 2013. He experienced intermittent local pain, dizziness, and swelling, but recovered quickly after receiving three doses of antivenom within two hours of the bite, leaving no scar behind.
The Threatened Species of the Chocó Rainforest
One of the key findings of the study is that four of the species within the group are facing a high risk of extinction. These vipers have a very limited geographic range, and 50% to 80% of their habitat has already been destroyed. Urgent conservation efforts are needed to save the remaining habitat and protect these species from extinction.
The discovery of new species is always an exciting event, especially when it comes to the animal kingdom. Recently, a team of researchers has identified five new species of vipers, all belonging to the genus Bothriechis. These beautiful snakes, commonly known as eyelash pitvipers, are found in Central and South America. The discovery is not only a testament to the incredible biodiversity of the region but also a tribute to the conservation efforts of various organizations and individuals.
Honoring Conservation Efforts
The Rahim’s Eyelash-Pitviper (Bothriechis rahimi) and the Hussain’s Eyelash-Pitviper (B. hussaini) are two of the newly discovered species, named in honor of Prince Hussain Aga Khan and Prince Rahim Aga Khan, respectively. This recognition is a tribute to their efforts in protecting endangered biodiversity worldwide through their organization, Targeted On Nature (FON), and the Aga Khan Development Network. The Shah’s Eyelash-Pitviper (B. rasikusumorum) is named after the Shah family, while the Klebba’s Eyelash-Pitviper (B. klebbai) and the Khwarg’s Eyelash-Pitviper (B. khwargi) honor Casey Klebba and Dr. Juewon Khwarg, respectively, for their support in the discovery and conservation of these new species.
What’s Next?
The Khamai Foundation is currently establishing a reserve to protect a sixth new species that was not described in the recent study. According to Alejandro Arteaga, one of the researchers involved in the discovery, the need to protect eyelash vipers is crucial as they cannot survive without adequate canopy cover. He also warns about the threat of poaching, as these beautiful snakes are often targeted for the illegal pet trade. The researchers also encourage further research on the venom components of these new species, which can aid in their conservation and benefit communities that frequently encounter eyelash pitvipers.
Original Source:
Arteaga A, Pyron RA, Batista A, Vieira J, Meneses Pelayo E, Smith EN, Barrio Amorós CL, Koch C, Agne S, Valencia JH, Bustamante L, Harris KJ (2024) Systematic revision of the Eyelash Palm-Pitviper Bothriechis schlegelii (Serpentes, Viperidae), with the description of five new species and revalidation of three. Evolutionary Systematics 8(1): 15-64. https://doi.org/10.3897/evolsyst.8.114527
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