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New Endangered Snake Species Discovered in Nicobar Islands

11/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers described Lycodon irwini, a new nonvenomous wolf snake, from Great Nicobar Island, India.
The species can reach up to 3.3 feet in length.
It is likely endangered due to its limited habitat and human threats.
The species name honors the late conservationist Steve Irwin.
The study, published in Evolutionary Systematics, highlights ongoing taxonomic discoveries and conservation needs in the Nicobar Islands, a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

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Story summary

Researchers described Lycodon irwini, a new nonvenomous wolf snake, from Great Nicobar Island, India.
The species can reach up to 3.3 feet in length.
It is likely endangered due to its limited habitat and human threats.
The species name honors the late conservationist Steve Irwin.
The study, published in Evolutionary Systematics, highlights ongoing taxonomic discoveries and conservation needs in the Nicobar Islands, a UNESCO biosphere reserve.