A new species of dwarf boa constrictor has been discovered in the Ecuadorian Amazon by biologists from the Ecuadorian National Biodiversity Institute. They described it in more detail in an article in the European Journal of Taxonomy.
The snake reaches a length of 20 cm, and its color is similar to the color of the ordinary boa constrictor. Researchers named the snake Tropidophis cacuangoae after the indigenous activist Dolores Cacuango, who fought for indigenous peoples’ rights in the early 20th century.
Scientists found two specimens of Tropidophis cacuangoae in the national reserve and in one of the private parks.
“These snakes are remnants of the era, such ancient animals that it’s a great achievement to come across one,” the researchers said.
The ancient origin of snakes is indicated by their primitive pelvis – characteristic of early snakes. According to one version, its existence proves that snakes came from lizards.