A novel species of pit viper, the smallest in its venomous subfamily, has been discovered by personnel at Thale Ban National Park in Satun, a southern province of Thailand.
Saengsuree Songthong, the nationwide park’s chief, alongside along with his assistant Nakhen Kaweethanatham and analysis official Bunyarit Dechochai, stumbled upon the hitherto unknown species of pit vipers throughout a short break underneath a limestone shelter.
In order to establish the species of the snakes, they took images and shared them with a researcher. It was later confirmed that the staff had indeed found a model new species, reported Bangkok Post.
Saengsuree revealed that the newfound species, scientifically christened Trimeresurus ciliaris, is also known as the limestone eyelash pit viper. It bears close resemblance to the Trimeresurus venustus, or the beautiful pit viper.
However, according to the nationwide park’s chief, the limestone eyelash pit viper is of a smaller dimension than the gorgeous pit viper. Manifest is characterised by its larger eyelashes and nose, together with more distinct patterns on its lateral scales.
In August, in the lush Hala Bala Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Betong district of Yala province, researchers have made a exceptional discovery, two new species of flowers, belonging to the Annonaceae household – which hosts the well-known custard apple – have been recognized by a team from Prince of Songkla University (PSU).
The finding was announced this week by Charan Leeratiwong, an eminent professor at PSU’s Faculty of Science. Complementing Thai researchers on this quest was Professor David M Johnson, hailing from the Biological Science Department of Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio, United States. Their collective endeavours were supported by the diligent officials on the Hala Bala Wildlife Research Station. To learn more in regards to the story click HERE.
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