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New Snake Species. PHOTO/ BRIN DOC
MAKASSAR – The new species of water snake is called Hypsiscopus Indonesiaensis found in Lake Towuti, South Sulawesi. This discovery increases the total number of snake species in Sulawesi to 60 species.
This snake has a gray-brown color with a laterally flattened tail and more rows of scales along the middle of its body. Interestingly, this snake has more ventral scales but fewer tail scales compared to other Hypsiscopus species. This snake also has a unique color pattern compared to other species.
H. indonesiensis is a freshwater snake known as the “flat-tailed water snake”. According to a researcher from the Biosystematics and Evolution Research Center of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, BRIN, Amir Hamidy, this group of snakes generally inhabit freshwater environments and prey on small fish, tadpoles or crabs.
Physically, they are relatively small, rarely exceeding 1 meter or 700 millimeters, and are only found in Lake Towuti. Their presence indicates a higher level of endemism compared to H. matannensis.
“Further research on its population and distribution is needed to assess its conservation status,” said Amir.
He explained that of the four species in the genus, three of them are found in Sulawesi, two of which are endemic. One is H. indonesiensis which is only found in Lake Towuti, while the other is H. matanensis which is found in Lake Matano and several other areas in Sulawesi.
Amir noted that almost 60 percent of all snakes in Sulawesi are endemic species, a figure much lower than in the Sundaland Islands. However, the endemic level of Sulawesi snakes is higher.
“Sumatra has 127 types of snakes, 16 percent of which are endemic, while Kalimantan has 133 types (23 percent endemic), and Java-Bali has 110 types (6.4 percent endemic),” he explained.
Amir then told about Den Bosch’s notes in 1985 which recorded the existence of 55 species of snakes in Sulawesi. However, in 2005, the authors of the book “The Snakes of Sulawesi: A Field Guide to the Land Snakes of Sulawesi”, Ruud de Lang and Gernot Vogel, revised the number to 52 species. Over time, seven new snake species were identified in Sulawesi, bringing the total number of snake species there to 59. This latest discovery brings the diversity of land snake species in Sulawesi to 60 species.
Amir also shared an interesting story about the discovery of H. indonesiensis. According to him, this snake specimen came from six specimens collected in 2003 and one specimen collected in 2009, over a fairly long time span, around 16 years. Amir added that the identification process was delayed due to the limited number of specimens at that time.
He added, after 2019, members of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) at that time succeeded in collecting fresh specimens from Lake Towuti which was very helpful in validating the identification process. As a result, these findings were published in the journal Treubia Volume 50 Number 1 of 2023.
For additional information, Sulawesi – an island in the Indo-Australian Archipelago – is known for its unique geological history and is a center of biodiversity for many species. The island has several ancient lakes that split during the Pliocene epoch, including Lake Matano, Lake Towuti, and Lake Mahalona.
(wbs)
Welcome to the Serpentine Saga: The Discovery of Hypsiscopus Indonesiaensis
In the Deep Dark Waters of Sulawesi…
The thrill of discovery! The chilling bite of cold lake water! And… oh look, a new snake! Yes, folks, it appears we have a fresh addition to the snake family—a brand new species of water snake named Hypsiscopus Indonesiaensis, found lounging in the watery depths of Lake Towuti, South Sulawesi. It’s like finding a new flavor of ice cream at your local shop; one you’ve never thought you needed, but here it is, taking up space in your freezer of biodiversity!
The Slithery Details
So, what can you expect from this aquatic wonder? Well, it’s a modestly sized snake—rarely hitting the scales over 1 meter (or about 700 millimeters for those who don’t like this whole “metric system” thing). It sports a captivating gray-brown color, which—let’s be honest—sounds a bit like the color of mud. But don’t let that fool you; this snake has a flattened tail that suggests it’s been doing some serious aquatic Olympic training, winning gold for synchronised swimming… or perhaps just dodging the occasional hungry fish.
More Scales Than Sense
Interestingly enough, this slithering superstar boasts more ventral scales but fewer tail scales compared to its fellow aquatic serpents in the Hypsiscopus lineage. Who knew snakes had a scale hierarchy? Or perhaps these distinctions are more like a family reunion, where some members just show up a bit thinner on the tail end? Amir Hamidy, a researcher from the Biosystematics and Evolution Research Center, highlights that this discovery pushes the total number of snake species in Sulawesi to a staggering sixty! And let’s not forget: 60 percent of these serpents are apparently exclusive club members—endemic species at that!
The Snack Preferences of Hypsiscopus
This glide-through-water critter munches on small fish, tadpoles, and crabs. It’s like the fanciest buffet of the freshwater world! So the next time you’re happily slurping down a bowl of ramen, just be aware that somewhere out there, a Hypsiscopus Indonesiaensis is doing the same with its lake’s aquatic life — only difference: it doesn’t have to pick up the chopsticks! Lucky snake….
Statistical Shenanigans
Amir detailed how, back in the day—1985 to be precise—there were 55 species trailing around Sulawesi. Then came the count down to 52 by 2005! It’s like counting sheep but for scientists, where a few sheep just lost their way. Fortunately, our diligent researchers discovered new species, thereby fluffing the count back up to 60. It’s heartwarming to see numbers rise, isn’t it? Even when they’re about snakes!
A Conservation Call
Now, let’s not get too ahead of ourselves celebrating this discovery. Amir recommends further research on the population and distribution of H. Indonesiaensis to ensure it doesn’t vanish faster than a magician’s handkerchief. So, it seems this new aquatic superstar may require some serious public relations work—talking about conservation and getting people on board. Seriously, we can’t let a snake slip through the cracks!
Conclusion: The Never-Ending Quest for Knowledge
And there you have it—another twist in the never-ending tale of biodiversity! Sulawesi, that ancient island, continues to prove that it’s a hotspot not just for tourists but also for scientists yearning to unravel the mysteries of the wild. So, next time someone asks you about the wonders of snakes, just remember—they can add much more than just a scare to a stroll by the lake! They’re the fabulous water-splashers of the freshwater world. Now go ahead, share this news and let the world know about Hypsiscopus Indonesiaensis—the snake that swims with style!
MAKASSAR – In an exciting development, researchers have identified a new species of water snake named Hypsiscopus Indonesiaensis, discovered in the pristine waters of Lake Towuti, located in South Sulawesi. This remarkable find elevates the total number of snake species recorded in Sulawesi to an impressive 60, shedding light on the region’s rich biological diversity.
This newly identified snake showcases a distinctive gray-brown coloration and features a laterally flattened tail, as well as an increased number of scale rows along the middle of its body. Notably, it possesses a greater number of ventral scales, yet has fewer scales on its tail in comparison to other members of the Hypsiscopus genus, which adds to its unique characteristics.
Known as the “flat-tailed water snake,” H. indonesiensis thrives in freshwater habitats, primarily preying on small fish, tadpoles, and crabs. According to Amir Hamidy, a researcher from the Biosystematics and Evolution Research Center of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, BRIN, this specific adaptation makes them well-suited for survival in their ecological niche.
Physically, these snakes are relatively small, with most individuals measuring less than 1 meter or roughly 700 millimeters in length; they are exclusively found in the ecological confines of Lake Towuti. Their existence in this limited habitat signifies a higher level of endemism when contrasted with H. matannensis.
“Further research on its population and distribution is needed to assess its conservation status,” emphasized Amir. He noted that among the four known species in the genus, three inhabit Sulawesi, with two being endemic to the island. H. indonesiensis exists solely in Lake Towuti, while the other endemic species, H. matanensis, is found in Lake Matano along with several other regions in Sulawesi.
Amir also highlighted that nearly 60 percent of all snake species in Sulawesi are classified as endemic. While this figure pales in comparison to the biodiversity of the Sundaland Islands, the endemism among Sulawesi’s snakes is still considerable. He elaborated on the distribution of snake species in the surrounding islands, noting that Sumatra is home to 127 snake types with 16 percent being endemic, Kalimantan boasts 133 species with 23 percent endemic, and Java-Bali has 110 species with a mere 6.4 percent endemic.
Reflecting on the historical context of snake diversity in Sulawesi, Amir recalled Den Bosch’s observations from 1985, which noted 55 snake species on the island. This figure was revised downward to 52 species in 2005 by Ruud de Lang and Gernot Vogel in their publication, “The Snakes of Sulawesi: A Field Guide to the Land Snakes of Sulawesi.” Remarkably, with the addition of seven newly identified snake species over the years, the tally now stands at 60.
Amir recounted the intriguing journey of the discovery of H. indonesiensis, which was made possible through the collection of six specimens in 2003 and an additional specimen in 2009. This extensive timeline, spanning approximately 16 years, is indicative of the complexities involved in herpetology research. Notably, the identification process experienced delays primarily due to the limited availability of specimens during the early years of the investigation.
He further noted that after 2019, researchers from the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) successfully collected fresh specimens from Lake Towuti, which significantly aided in validating the new classification. The results of this groundbreaking research have been published in the esteemed journal Treubia, Volume 50 Number 1 of 2023.
For further context, Sulawesi is an island celebrated for its unique geological history and serves as an epicenter of biodiversity, home to numerous endemic species. The island’s landscape is punctuated by ancient lakes that were formed during the Pliocene epoch, including Lake Matano, Lake Towuti, and Lake Mahalona.
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– What role does Sulawesi play in snake biodiversity compared to Kalimantan and Java-Bali?
Endemic, Kalimantan boasts 133 snake types with 23 percent endemic, and Java-Bali has 110 types with only 6.4 percent endemic. This data emphasizes Sulawesi’s role as a significant center for snake biodiversity despite its lower overall species number compared to other surrounding regions.
The intriguing history of snake species identification in Sulawesi adds layers to this topic. In 1985, Den Bosch documented 55 snake species, but by 2005, researchers Ruud de Lang and Gernot Vogel had revised that number down to 52. Over the years, the discovery of seven new species brought the number back up to 59 and ultimately to 60 as of 2023 with the formal description of Hypsiscopus Indonesiaensis. This dynamic showcases both the challenges and victories faced in herpetological research.
As scientists continue to explore this unique island, the hope is that more discoveries will emerge, adding to the rich tapestry of Sulawesi’s endemic fauna. However, Amir stressed the importance of conservation efforts to protect these newly discovered species and their habitats. Understanding the population dynamics and ecological roles of species like H. indonesiensis is crucial for ensuring their survival amid environmental changes and human impacts.
This ongoing quest for knowledge not only enriches our understanding of biodiversity but also reinforces the need for proactive measures to safeguard the natural world, showcasing the interconnectedness of discovery, conservation, and research within the vibrant ecosystems of Sulawesi.