New venomous snake discovered in Australia

[Still Waters 28,592]

The ink has not yet dried on a scientific paper describing a new species of snake, yet the reptile may already be in danger of extinction due to mining.

A team of biologists led by The University of Queensland's Associate Professor Bryan Fry discovered a new species of bandy-bandy snake at Weipa on the west coast of the Cape York Peninsula.

Professor Fry said the chance discovery occurred when the team was undertaking sea snake research.

"Bandy-bandy is a burrowing snake, so Freek Vonk from the Naturalis Museum and I were surprised to find it on a concrete block by the sea," Professor Fry said.

https://phys.org/news/2018-07-australia-venomous-snake-threatened.html

[Ozfactor 1,261]

I just read about this and how it was discovered by accident . Another reason to wear gumboots in Australia when walkabout 

[openozy 170]

Makes you wonder how many species have come and gone without anyone noticing.

[psyche101 25,315]

Mining camp nearby, that explains why they are already threatened with extinction. 

 

[RoofGardener 5,622]

15 hours ago, Still Waters said:

......A team of biologists led by The University of Queensland's Associate Professor Bryan Fry discovered a new species of bandy-bandy snake at Weipa on the west coast of the Cape York Peninsula...

Oh GOODY. That's JUST what Australia needs.... another poisonous snake !