10 Rarest Types of Snakes in The World
Many people experience a primal fear of snakes, which can become a debilitating phobia. While 600 out of 3,000 snake species are venomous, only a small percentage of them, around seven percent, are capable of causing severe harm or even death to humans.
Despite their fearsome reputation, snakes are fascinating creatures with an exceptional ability to adapt to their environment. As cold-blooded animals, they can widen their bodies and stretch out their rib cages during the winter months to regulate their body temperature.
Tragically, climate change poses a significant threat to snake populations, placing many species at risk of extinction. This not only endangers rare snake species, but also disrupts the balance of the food chain.
10.Wagner' viper
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| Photo source: wikipedia |
Wagner's viper, a venomous snake from the Viperidae family, inhabits northwestern Iran and eastern Turkey. Discovered by German naturalist Moritz Wagner in 1846, the species was thought to be extinct until 1986.
In 2009, European viper collectors began hunting the snakes after Swedish biologists revealed their location, resulting in the species becoming critically endangered.
Interesting fact: The Saint Louis Zoo in the United States operates a Species Survival Plan to safeguard the Wagner's viper from extinction through a cooperative breeding program. However, the survival of these snakes in the wild remains threatened as their habitat continues to shrink every year.
9.The Santa Catalina Island Rattlesnake
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| Photo source: kids.britannica.com |
The Santa Catalina Island Rattlesnake is a rare and venomous species found in Isla Santa Catalina in the Gulf of California. It is classified as critically endangered and possesses moderately poisonous venom.
One unique aspect of this snake is that it lacks a rattle. Scientists believe that the Island Rattlesnake evolved to become a more efficient hunter of birds, leading to the degeneration of its tail.
Despite being a fast and adept climber, this slender snake spends most of its time on the ground and is easily observable as it rarely hides. However, its habitat, which covers less than 100 km2, and the introduction of feral cats have contributed to its critically endangered status since 2007.
8.The Short-Nosed Sea Snake
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| Photo source:aims.gov.au |
The Short-Nosed Sea Snake, also known as the Sahul reef snake, is a rare and venomous species that inhabits the waters off the coast of northern Western Australia. Measuring approximately 60 cm in length, this brown-colored snake is known to rest underwater as well as on the reef flats.
Sadly, these snakes are in critical danger and are facing a rapid decline in population. While the exact cause of their impending extinction is unknown, rising ocean temperatures pose a significant threat to their survival.
Interesting fact: In 2021, during a deep-sea expedition, researchers discovered the Short-Nosed Sea Snake in the twilight zone, 67 meters below the surface at Ashmore Reef. This finding, after the species was believed to be extinct for 23 years, offers a new opportunity to protect and preserve this endangered species.
7.Ross' Wolf Snake
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| Photo source: animaldiversity.org |
Ross' Wolf Snake, a member of the colubrid species, is native to Dalupiri Island in the Philippines, although little is currently known about its ecology and habitat. Biologists first discovered this snake in 1990 and named it in honor of H.G. Jarecki, a former leader of the Mocatta Metals Corporation who supported their work.
This snake is dark-brown in color and lacks any patterning on its back. It has an almost cylindrical body and a unique flattened head with circular pupils.
Fun fact: The forest where Ross' Wolf Snake resides is increasingly fragmented, with ranching activities contributing to its continuous degradation. Unfortunately, there are currently no direct conservation measures in place to protect this critically endangered species.
6. Aruba Rattlesnake
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| Photo source:animaldiversity.org |
As its name suggests, the Aruba Rattlesnake inhabits Aruba Island, located off the coast of Venezuela. This snake measures 88 cm in length and has a light-brown skin with pinkish hues that reflect the harsh conditions of its dry habitat.
Birds, rodents, and lizards are among the Aruba Rattlesnake's preferred prey, although they must compete with much larger boas for food.
Fun fact: With only around 230 individuals remaining in the wild, the Aruba Rattlesnake faces a range of threats, including habitat loss due to human encroachment. These snakes are protected under the Species Survival Plan, and exporting them is strictly prohibited.
5. The Alcatrazes Lacehead
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| Photo source: inaturalist.org |
The Alcatrazes Lacehead, also referred to as Bothrops Alcatraz, is a pitviper species that exclusively inhabits Ilha Alcatrazes near São Paulo, which is also utilized as a Naval target practice location. Their habitat is already limited, covering less than 100 km², and is further declining. Additionally, environmental changes have caused a shortage of their primary food source, rodents, forcing them to adapt to consuming centipedes and cockroaches.
Due to the lack of proper nutritional intake, the Alcatrazes Laceheads are relatively small, unable to grow beyond 48 cm.
Did you know that Ilha Alcatrazes was once connected to the mainland? However, rising sea levels separated it, and Alcatraz Laceheads are the offspring of Bothrops jararaca, snakes that were stranded on the island when it became isolated.
4.The pitviper
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| Photo source:bangkokherps.wordpress.com |
The pitviper species, also known as Bothrops Alcatraz, is solely found on Ilha Alcatrazes near São Paulo, which is also a Naval target practice area. Their habitat is already small (less than 100 km²) and declining. Due to environmental changes, eradicating their principal food - rodents, they had to start eating centipedes and cockroaches. Consequently, Alcatrazes Laceheads didn’t receive enough nutritional value, causing their size to shrink, leaving them unable to grow more than 48 cm.
Fun fact: Ilha Alcatrazes was once connected to the continent, but the rising oceans forced it to detach. Alcatraz Laceheads are descendants of Bothrops jararaca, snakes that were stranded on the island after they were cut off.
3. Albany Adder
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| Photo source:Snabi |
Albany Adder, a member of the viper family, is 27 cm long, has distinct bumps around its eyes, and is brown in color. It is active in the late afternoon and early morning but prefers to hide under rocks, making it difficult to spot. Its existence was in question for a long time because only a dozen Albany Adders were officially documented, and the last sighting was in 2017.
Did you know that the species was discovered in 1937, but it was rare to spot them? As a result, there are no cases of Albany Adders biting humans, making the severity of their venom a mystery.
2. The grey-brown Antiguan Racer
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| Photo source: wikipedia |
The grey-brown Antiguan Racer is a rear-fanged snake that was almost extinct between the 1800s and 1995, with only 50 remaining on Great Bird Island. However, with the partnership of Fauna & Flora International and other organizations, invasive species that were causing the Antiguan Racer's decline were eradicated.
Although their efforts resulted in over 1,100 new snakes across various Antiguan islands, urban development still poses a threat that could potentially decimate these snakes in the future.
Did you know that despite their name, Antiguan racers are actually slow-moving? Additionally, they do not bite humans and only defend themselves by emitting a musky smell.
1. Saint Lucia Racer
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| Photo source:phys.org |
The Saint Lucia Racer, also known as the ornate ground snake, is a member of the Colubridae family and has a mild temperament, posing no threat to humans. It holds the unfortunate title of being the rarest snake in the world, with fewer than 20 individuals remaining in the wild. These snakes live on a small islet in the Caribbean Sea and share their habitat with another critically endangered species, the Saint Lucia whiptail lizards.
Interestingly, Saint Lucia Racers were once the second most common snake species on the island. However, after the introduction of Asian mongooses by humans in the late 19th century, their population was decimated and is unlikely to ever reach the same numbers again. Although extinction is still a threat for the Saint Lucia Racer, conservation efforts are underway to protect and conserve the remaining population.
