Among the mountains of China, with an impressive biodiversity and landscapes, a predator has been discovered that would have been “hidden” for many years.
This is a new species of snake, which appeared in the Yuanyang Guanyinshan Provincial Nature Reserve.
Discovering a new predator: the snake that hunts at night
For many centuries, the area of the Asian country was a refuge for a wide variety of animal and plant species. Many mountains are still unexplored and have few studies conducted.
The dangerous snake discovered in China. (Photo: Liu, Hou, Mo, M. Li, B. Li, Luo, Rao & S. Li).
With a varied climate, ranging from temperate zones to the most humid and cold, it offers a unique habitat for species that evolved in isolation.
A recent study confirms that a predator, hitherto unknown, is emerging from the mountains of China.
The group of researchers discovered a new snake species in this habitat. Specifically in the Yuanyang Guanyinshan Provincial Nature Reserve, at over 2400 meters above sea level.
As identified, this predator hunts at night and could represent a key link in the mountain ecosystem.
How was the research conducted
To make this discovery, nocturnal expeditions were carried out between 2023 and 2024. They found four specimens.
This is an unknown snake, which after a detailed study was identified as Ovophis zhaoermii, a pit viper.
This animal, which can exceed 60 centimeters in length, has a skin of brown tones and irregular black spots on its back.
Is it venomous?
The snake belongs to the Ovophis type (Photo: Wikipedia).
It is believed to be venomous, like other pit vipers, although scientists have not yet determined its potency. This study highlights the undiscovered biodiversity in the mountains of China, where unknown species continue to emerge.
According to the study, these are the details of the animal:
- Species: Ovophis zhaoermii, a pit viper.
- Size: slim and elongated body, reaching up to 60 cm in length.
- Head: pear-shaped with a black mesh pattern on its skin.
- Coloration: dark brown skin with irregular black spots on the back.
- Tail: small, with white marks.
- Habitat: found in wet areas near streams in mountains at over 2400 meters above sea level.
- Behavior: nocturnal predator.
- Diet: likely feeds on frogs and small animals.
- Venom: believed to be venomous, although the potency of its bite has not been determined yet.
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