A new species of venomous snake has been discovered in Australia, adding to the country’s already dangerous wildlife. The snake, named Vermicella parscauda by researchers at the University of Queensland, belongs to the Vermicella genus and is about one meter long. It has a similar coloration to sea snakes and was found on a concrete block off the coast of the Cape York Peninsula in northern Australia. The researchers were studying sea snakes when they came across the unusual snake, which was later identified as a previously unknown species through genetic analysis.
The biologists were surprised to find the snake living on the coast, as these snakes are typically burrowing animals. They believe it may have crawled over from a nearby bauxite mine, which is a common source of aluminum in the region. The discovery of this new species raises questions about the impact of mining on the local ecosystem, as well as the potential danger posed by the snake to humans and other animals.
So far, only one other living specimen of the Vermicella parscauda has been found, along with two museum specimens and an older photograph. The snake is known to be native to the city of Weipa, but the researchers are unsure of its range and distribution. They are also uncertain about the potential threat posed by the snake’s venom, as little is known about its toxicity. Further research is needed to determine the full extent of the snake’s impact on the local environment and its potential danger to humans.
