February 16, 2023
A new species of dwarf boa that is less than a foot long has been discovered in the Ecuadorian Amazon by scientists. The new species has been named Tropidophis cacuangoae after an indigenous activist named Dolores Cacuango. This newly discovered species coils up and bleeds out of its eyes as a defense mechanism when it experiences threats.
The Tropidophis cacuangoae is very different from other dwarf boa species but shares many similarities with a specimen in the Ecuadorian Museum of Natural Sciences that was collected many years ago. According to scientists, this new species might already face the risk of extinction.
Did You Know?
Around 600 snake species are poisonous.
ACTIVITY: Serpent Speak
List any 3 characteristics of venomous and non-venomous snakes.
