Himalayan pit viper found to be five distinct species

26 Mwezi wa tano, 2026

Imeripotiwa na AI

Scientists have determined that the Himalayan pit viper, long considered a single species, actually comprises five separate species, three of which are new to science. The discovery was made through genetic analysis and studies of museum specimens.

An international team of researchers has reclassified the venomous snake first described in 1864. Their work, published in the journal ZooKeys, combined modern genetic techniques with examinations of skeletal traits and ecological data from Pakistan and Nepal.

Makala yanayohusiana

Genetic diversity helped brown tree snakes thrive in Guam

A new study reveals that hidden genetic variation allowed a small group of brown tree snakes to overcome inbreeding and become a major invasive force on Guam. Researchers identified more than 19,000 structural variants in the snakes' DNA, many linked to immunity and smell. The findings were published on July 24 in Science Advances.

Climate change raises global snakebite risks

23 Mwezi wa sita, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

Rising temperatures and extreme weather are increasing human encounters with venomous snakes, according to health experts and data from Thailand and other regions.

Mazingira

Asian mantises classified as invasive in Europe

Sayansi

New crocodile species named Lucy's Hunter identified in Ethiopia

Sayansi

New monkey species with mask-like face found in Congo

Adders awaken – advice to avoid bites

Warmer weather has arrived and adders are awake across Sweden. The Poison Information Centre has received over 100 calls about bites so far this year.

New giant salamander species identified from ancient Japanese fossils

24 Mwezi wa saba, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

Scientists have identified a previously unknown genus and species of giant salamander from fossils found in Japan more than two decades ago. The creature, named Limnospondylus ajimuensis, lived about 3.5 million years ago and may have grown to 1.1 meters long.

100-million-year-old bug with crab-like claws found in amber

Scientists have identified a new insect species preserved in 100-million-year-old amber from Myanmar. The true bug features unusual front legs ending in large claw-like structures similar to crab pincers. Researchers named it Carcinonepa libererrantes after the K-pop group Stray Kids.

Ijumaa, 10. Mwezi wa saba 2026, 01:54:02