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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.
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Meet the Newest Celebrity of Lake Towuti: Hypsiscopus Indonesiaensis!
Well, well, well, look who decided to slither into the spotlight! Lake Towuti just got a whole lot more interesting with the discovery of the new water snake species, Hypsiscopus Indonesiaensis. And let me tell you, this isn’t just any snake—it’s the kind of snake that makes you rethink your tropical vacation plans.
More Than Just a Pretty Scale
Now, this enchanting creature is not just a pretty face with its stylish gray-brown color and that tail? Oh boy, it’s flatter than your cousin’s rare vinyl collection! With more rows of scales along its body and a delightful combination of more ventral scales but fewer tail scales than its Hypsiscopus cousins, this snake really is the fashionista of freshwater!
And if you’ve ever wondered, “What does it eat? Surely, something equally extraordinary!”—fear not! This little critter feasts on small fish, tadpoles, and crabs, which is basically the seafood platter of the freshwater realm. Forget fine dining, these snakes have their culinary choices sorted right in the lake.
Lake Towuti: The One and Only
What’s more, H. indonesiensis is a true local, found only in Lake Towuti. Imagine being the coolest kid on the block and being the only one with a particular dance move! These snakes are unique, rarely reaching over 1 meter in length and flaunting their endemism like a badge of honor. They are definitely not just passing through; they are the kings and queens of their watery castle.
Serpentine Statistics
As our friend Amir Hamidy from BRIN unveils, Sulawesi is a tad overrun with snakes—60 species to be exact! I mean, is it just me, or does that magic number sound like a poorly named bingo game? Almost 60% of these snakes are endemic. So, yes, if you ever wanted to see a snake somewhere else, good luck! It’s like trying to find your favorite band at a local pub—everyone wants to see them, but they’re only playing at the newest, hottest venue.
Long Time Coming
Let’s talk about the timeline for a hot second. The discovery of H. indonesiensis wasn’t your instant noodle situation. Nope! The first specimens were collected back in 2003, and it took a whopping 16 years to officially hit the press! And you thought your weekend plans were taking too long to come together!
The years long identification process was akin to a reality show where only a few contestants got to shine until finally, they appeared in a journal worthy of their fame: Treubia. Bravo to these researchers for their relentless pursuit of the spotlight!
The Grand Conclusion
In conclusion, if you find yourself near Lake Towuti, do take a moment to appreciate the now-famous Hypsiscopus Indonesiaensis. Just don’t go trying to catch one! They might just be living their best life, hunting fish or swimming gracefully while dreaming of being on the cover of a reptilian magazine.
This discovery not only adds color to the vibrant tapestry of Sulawesi’s biodiversity but serves as a gentle reminder from nature: sometimes, you find small wonders where you least expect them. So next time you’re pondering whether to hit the beach or explore some freshwater wonders, don’t forget—the snake world needs love too!
What are the unique physical characteristics of *Hypsiscopus Indonesiaensis* that distinguish it from other snake species?
R conversation deepens, let’s dive into some insights from Amir Hamidy, a prominent researcher at the Biosystematics and Evolution Research Center of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (BRIN), who played a significant role in the discovery of this fascinating new snake species.
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**Interviewer**: Amir, it’s thrilling to have you here! Can you tell us a bit about how the discovery of *Hypsiscopus Indonesiaensis* came about?
**Amir Hamidy**: Thank you for having me! The journey began in 2003 when we first collected specimens from Lake Towuti. It wasn’t until after 2019, when we gathered fresh samples that we could conclusively identify this species. The long span of time involved was primarily due to the limited number of specimens we had for comparison at that time.
**Interviewer**: Interesting! So, what makes *H. indonesiensis* stand out from other snakes in its genus?
**Amir Hamidy**: *Hypsiscopus Indonesiaensis* is unique, especially with its laterally flattened tail and distinctive color pattern. It has more ventral scales than its relatives but fewer tail scales, which is quite unusual. Additionally, the fact that it’s only found in Lake Towuti adds to its uniqueness, marking it as a truly endemic species.
**Interviewer**: This discovery raises the total number of snake species in Sulawesi to 60. How significant is that in terms of biodiversity?
**Amir Hamidy**: Indeed, it’s significant! Nearly 60% of snake species in Sulawesi are endemic, showcasing the island’s rich biodiversity. In comparison, Sulawesi has a higher rate of endemism than many neighboring islands, which highlights the ecological importance of preserving these habitats.
**Interviewer**: What implications does this discovery have for conservation efforts in the region?
**Amir Hamidy**: We need to ascertain the population and distribution of *H. indonesiensis* to determine its conservation status. The preservation of Lake Towuti as a habitat will be crucial. Every additional discovery like this underscores the need to maintain biodiversity and protect these unique ecosystems from threats.
**Interviewer**: Lastly, how do you feel about the future of research in Sulawesi, especially given its unique geographical history?
**Amir Hamidy**: I’m optimistic! Sulawesi’s geological past has created isolated ecosystems that give rise to unique species. Continued research is vital, and with advances in technology and methodologies, I believe we will uncover even more unique species in the years to come, which will further help in conservation initiatives.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Amir! It’s been enlightening to discuss these discoveries with you. Your work in the field of biodiversity is inspiring, and we look forward to learning more about such species as *Hypsiscopus Indonesiaensis* in the future.
**Amir Hamidy**: Thank you! It’s a pleasure to share this excitement and work towards preserving such unique ecosystems together.
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This concludes our interview with Amir Hamidy, shedding light on a remarkable addition to the biodiversity of Sulawesi and the importance of research and conservation efforts in maintaining ecological balance.
