Two New Species of Snake

Scientists discover new species of venomous snake pit viper family in Southeast Asia. This discovery was the result of an expedition to collect snakes from several countries, namely Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand.


One of the species named Cryptelytrops rubeus because his eyes are red ruby color. This species has a habitat near the city of Ho Chi Minh, lowlands in south Vietnam and the eastern highlands Langobian in Cambodia.

While other species are Cryptelytrops cardamomensis who have green eyes. The species was found in the Cardamom mountains in the southeast and habitat in Thailand and southeast Cambodia.

Two species were believed to be a new kind after scientists conduct genetic analysis for 12 years, see the physical differences and geographical distribution of variations of venomous snakes that were previously grouped in the type of venomous snake eyes (Cryptelytrops macrops).

green pit snake red eye

Anita Malhotra from Bangor University, one member of the team involved the study said, "These two species have differences in the genetic component of the mitochondria and nucleus and are geographically separated, there is a different mountain."

Malhotra said that the specimens of snakes Cryptelytrops rubeus, especially very small and only a few people who had seen the species. "We only have very little information to be honest," said Malhotra.

Malhotra said that there is a possibility that species are threatened with extinction. Malhotra and his team of research results published in the journal Zootaxa published last February 4, 2011.